A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nelson vs. Koh Phi Phi for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nelson 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 Nelson 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.

Nelson

Nelson is a adventure-filled, natural, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a dramatic, stunning, and beautiful island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nelson and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Nelson and Koh Phi Phi are popular destinations, Koh Phi Phi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Nelson attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Nelson and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also well known for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Nelson is famous for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures.

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

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

Nelson is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Nelson offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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

Nelson 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.

Nelson has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

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 Nelson or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Nelson. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

Is Nelson or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its resorts. However, Nelson is not a resort destination.

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.

Nelson is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nelson 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.

Nelson is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nelson or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Both Nelson and Koh Phi Phi are considered to be terrific beach destinations.

Nelson is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

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.

Is Nelson or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Nelson 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 Nelson specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

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 Nelson or Koh Phi Phi?

Nelson 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 Nelson. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

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 Nelson or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Nelson is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Nelson is a very family-friendly destination. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders 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 Nelson or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Both Nelson and Koh Phi Phi are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nelson is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

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.

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

Both Nelson and Koh Phi Phi are terrific destinations for backpackers.

Nelson is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

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.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Nelson is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Nelson or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Nelson is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Nelson is a very walkable city. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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 Nelson Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Nelson or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nelson and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nelson than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nelson, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nelson than Koh Phi Phi 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 Nelson.

One day in Nelson or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy city of Nelson. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 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 Nelson or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Nelson. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Nelson or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the natural city of Nelson. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

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 Nelson or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nelson. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 stunning 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 Luxury Tours to New Zealand, The Best Budget Tours to 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 Nelson and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Nelson is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nelson 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 Nelson would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nelson 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 Nelson Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nelson or Koh Phi Phi?

Nelson has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Nelson 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.