A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Penang vs. Koh Phi Phi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Penang 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 Penang 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.

Where Should I go: Penang or Koh Phi Phi?

Penang

Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.

Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Penang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $104, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Penang and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $49
    Koh Phi Phi $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $98
    Koh Phi Phi $82
Compare Hotels in Penang and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Penang or Koh Phi Phi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Penang


Hotels in Koh Phi Phi


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $12
    Koh Phi Phi $6.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:


  • Local Bus
    $1.27
  • Island Ferry
    $0.51
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.57
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $9.71
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $6.33
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $213
  • Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $188
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
  • Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $139
  • Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
  • Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
  • Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $86
  • Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $77
  • Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $43
  • Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $15
  • Longboat Taxi
    $2.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi

Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $53
  • Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Penang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Penang $33
    Koh Phi Phi $11
Typical Food Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:


  • Snack
    $1.69
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $72
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $61
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.48
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.17
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.59
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.01
  • Italian Lunch (for Two)
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.

  • Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
  • 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $62
  • Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
  • 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
  • Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
  • Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
  • Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
  • Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
  • Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
  • Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $138
  • Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160

Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.65
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $9.37
  • Casual Lunch
    $5.79
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.28
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $11
  • Sit Down Dinner
    $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $49
    Koh Phi Phi $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang

Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Butterfly Gardens
    $6.54
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $6.33
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.42
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    $2.11

Tours and Activities in Penang

Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
  • 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $61
  • 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $152
  • Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
  • Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.41
  • City Tour to Penang Hill(Fast Lane), Kek Lok Si &Reclining Buddha: $104
  • Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
  • Discover Penang City Tour: $48
  • Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $83
  • Enjoy Amazing Night Tour in Penang : $77
  • Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Private Tour - Penang City: $91
  • Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $69

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental
    $8.27

Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.

  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
  • Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
  • Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
  • Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
  • Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $22
  • Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $22
  • Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
  • Wonderful Phi Phi Islands Highlights Tour: $51
  • PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $54
  • Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $58
  • Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $16
    Koh Phi Phi $5.72
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:


  • Beer
    $1.69

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:


  • Mojito Bucket
    $14
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $5.51


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Penang or Koh Phi Phi?

Penang has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Penang 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 Penang or Koh Phi Phi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Penang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Koh Phi Phi. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Penang usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Penang is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Penang

Penang Koh Phi Phi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)