A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Okinawa vs. Koh Phi Phi for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Okinawa 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 Okinawa 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.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a idyllic, tropical, and lush archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a beautiful, rustic, and remote island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Okinawa and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Okinawa 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, while Okinawa is known for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Okinawa and is popular 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. Okinawa is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life.

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

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

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

Okinawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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

Okinawa 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.

Okinawa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

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 Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Both Okinawa and Koh Phi Phi are superb when it comes to partying.

Okinawa offers plenty to do in the evening. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Koh Phi Phi has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

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

You'll find amazing places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Okinawa and Koh Phi Phi.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Okinawa. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

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.

Is Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Okinawa and Koh Phi Phi both offer amazing beaches.

Okinawa offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

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.

Is Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

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 Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

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 Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Okinawa 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, Okinawa is a very family-friendly destination. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei 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 Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Okinawa and Koh Phi Phi both amazing destinations for a couple.

Okinawa is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

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.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular island to visit 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 budget travelers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Both Okinawa and Koh Phi Phi offer good public transit options.

Okinawa has a few public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

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

Is Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago 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.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable archipelago. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

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

How long in Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Okinawa and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Okinawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Okinawa 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 Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the lush archipelago of Okinawa. 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.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi?

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

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Phi Phi has to offer.

Five days in Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the lush archipelago of Okinawa. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Okinawa. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this archipelago.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Phi Phi. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, 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 Okinawa and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Okinawa 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 Okinawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Okinawa 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 Okinawa Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa 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 Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Koh Phi Phi. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In July, Okinawa is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Okinawa this time of the year. In the summer, Okinawa often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Okinawa gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Okinawa usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Okinawa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Okinawa is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Okinawa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Okinawa gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In October, Okinawa usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Okinawa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Okinawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the winter, Okinawa is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Okinawa in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Okinawa often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Okinawa gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Okinawa is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 22°C (71°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Okinawa usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Okinawa gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Okinawa