A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagasaki vs. Koh Phi Phi for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a interesting, authentic, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nagasaki travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

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

Nagasaki and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Nagasaki 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 resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nagasaki is known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Nagasaki 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. Nagasaki is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine.

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

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

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

Nagasaki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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 Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

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 Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nagasaki and Koh Phi Phi.

Nagasaki has a large number of nightlife venues. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Phi Phi is a great choice. 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.

Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nagasaki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Nagasaki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Is Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

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 Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Nagasaki is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Phi Phi is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Nagasaki is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Nagasaki is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Nagasaki offers lots of family activities. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

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 Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Nagasaki has some very good public transit options. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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

Is Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Nagasaki and Koh Phi Phi are good when it comes to walkability.

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable city. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

Koh Phi Phi is somewhat walkable. 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 Nagasaki Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nagasaki and Koh Phi Phi. In our opinion, Koh Phi Phi has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Koh Phi Phi than Nagasaki. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the interesting city of Nagasaki. 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.

The beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the interesting destination of Nagasaki. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Phi Phi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi?

The authentic city of Nagasaki offers shopping and museums. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagasaki. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, 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 Nagasaki and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Nagasaki is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Nagasaki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Koh Phi Phi. The summer months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Nagasaki is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 27°C (81°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. Nagasaki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during summer. Nagasaki gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Koh Phi Phi. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Nagasaki is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Nagasaki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Nagasaki gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagasaki usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagasaki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Nagasaki is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagasaki in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Nagasaki usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Nagasaki gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Nagasaki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nagasaki in the spring for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In April, Nagasaki is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 16°C (60°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Nagasaki often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Nagasaki gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 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 Nagasaki. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Nagasaki