A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Milford Sound vs. Koh Phi Phi for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Milford Sound and Koh Phi Phi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a tropical, dramatic, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Milford Sound and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Milford Sound and Koh Phi Phi are both popular with visitors, Koh Phi Phi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Phi Phi is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing and hiking. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also home to Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Milford Sound different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Phi Phi and Milford Sound. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Koh Phi Phi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Phi Phi. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Koh Phi Phi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Koh Phi Phi for its luxury resorts. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Koh Phi Phi offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is renowned for hiking. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular spot for hiking. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Is the Shopping Better in Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is not a good area for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Koh Phi Phi can be found for those interested. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Milford Sound is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Milford Sound is very family-friendly. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Koh Phi Phi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Koh Phi Phi has some public transit options. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable island. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

Milford Sound is not a walkable fiord. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Milford Sound?

How long in Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Milford Sound and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Milford Sound than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 2-6 days is a good amount of time for Milford Sound, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

Families should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Milford Sound. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Koh Phi Phi, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Milford Sound. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Phi Phi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Milford Sound if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Koh Phi Phi.

One day in Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the world renowned fiord of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the dramatic destination of Koh Phi Phi. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This fiord offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking fiord of Milford Sound. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the remote destination of Koh Phi Phi. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milford Sound and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milford Sound is in Pacific and Koh Phi Phi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Milford Sound would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milford Sound than you might in Koh Phi Phi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Milford Sound Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Milford Sound or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Milford Sound and Koh Phi Phi, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.