A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagano vs. Koh Phi Phi for Resorts, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Nagano or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nagano and Koh Phi Phi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nagano

Nagano is a traditional, alpine, and scenic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Nagano is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Nagano travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a stunning, beautiful, and rustic island. Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Nagano and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagano than Koh Phi Phi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagano is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Phi Phi is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Nagano and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Nagano is well known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple.

How is Nagano 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 Nagano. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for Skiing?

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

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Nagano. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Koh Phi Phi is not a skiing destination.

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

Nagano is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Nagano offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

Koh Phi Phi offers a few options for museum-goers. 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.

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

Nagano is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nagano has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Phi Phi area. 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.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Nagano and Koh Phi Phi.

The nightlife in Nagano has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Koh Phi Phi offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Nagano has a few great resort options. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for the beach. However, Nagano is not a beach destination.

Koh Phi Phi is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a popular place for its old town. However, Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nagano. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Both Nagano and Koh Phi Phi are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

Many visitors go to Nagano for the hiking trails. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

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 Nagano or Koh Phi Phi?

Nagano is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nagano. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Koh Phi Phi has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. 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.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. While most people visit this island as a day trip, those who do spend a few days here will enjoy dramatic beauty, stunning landscapes, and excellent beaches. The island feels a bit more rustic and remote than some of the more developed islands, but the north side of the island offers a truly tropical paradise. During the day, crowds can be high as tourists flock to the area from nearby islands.

With stunning beauty, Nagano attracts visitors from all around. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Nagano 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, Nagano is very family-friendly. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Phi Phi is extremely popular for backpackers. 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 backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Nagano is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Nagano and Koh Phi Phi both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Nagano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

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

Is Nagano or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Nagano and Koh Phi Phi are notable when it comes to walkability.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nagano and Koh Phi Phi. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nagano than Koh Phi Phi. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagano, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Nagano. 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.

One day in Nagano or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the alpine city of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagano or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Nagano. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nagano or Koh Phi Phi?

The scenic city of Nagano offers museums and skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagano or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Koh Phi Phi. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagano and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Koh Phi Phi?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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.

When is the best time to visit Nagano or Koh Phi Phi?

Nagano has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Nagano is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Nagano. In July, Nagano usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagano or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Nagano during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the autumn, Nagano is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagano in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Should I visit Nagano or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. In January, Nagano is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.

Should I visit Nagano or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Koh Phi Phi. The spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Nagano is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the spring, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Nagano usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Nagano