A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Noosa Heads vs. Koh Phi Phi for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a relaxed, peaceful, and scenic coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Noosa Heads is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Noosa Heads, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Noosa Heads is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Noosa Heads and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Noosa Heads is well known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture.

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

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

Noosa Heads is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Noosa Heads specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

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 Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

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 Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Koh Phi Phi has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

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

Noosa Heads is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

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 Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Both Noosa Heads and Koh Phi Phi are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

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 Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

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 Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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, Noosa Heads attracts visitors from all around. It's stunning natural beauty, breathtaking beaches, and nearby green spaces have made this a popular holiday destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Noosa Heads 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, Noosa Heads is very family-friendly. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

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 Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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

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

While Noosa Heads offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

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

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable coastal town. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable coastal town. 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 Noosa Heads Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Noosa Heads?

How long in Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Noosa Heads and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Noosa Heads than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Noosa Heads, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Noosa Heads is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical island of Koh Phi Phi. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi?

Noosa Heads might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal town 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island 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.

Five days in Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi?

Because Noosa Heads is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The remote island of Koh Phi Phi offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A week in Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi?

Since Noosa Heads is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Koh Phi Phi. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, 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 Noosa Heads and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Noosa Heads is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi?

Noosa Heads has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Noosa Heads are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, 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.

Noosa Heads is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Noosa Heads averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. In January, Noosa Heads usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin July. Noosa Heads gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Noosa Heads during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the autumn, Noosa Heads is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Noosa Heads in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Noosa Heads usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phiin October. Noosa Heads gets 47 mm (1.9 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 Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Noosa Heads and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Noosa Heads for 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.

In July, Noosa Heads is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin January. Daily temperatures in Noosa Heads average around 7°C (44°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In July, Noosa Heads usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phiin January. Noosa Heads gets 57 mm (2.3 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 Noosa Heads or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Noosa Heads as well as Koh Phi Phi. The spring months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Noosa Heads is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Noosa Heads averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Noosa Heads usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phiin April. Noosa Heads gets 76 mm (3 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 Noosa Heads