A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Phuket vs. Koh Phi Phi for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Phuket or Koh Phi Phi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Phuket

Phuket is a energetic, party-hard, and stunning resort island. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Phuket and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Phuket, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Phuket is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Phuket is well known for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Koh Phi Phi is well 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.

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

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

Koh Phi Phi is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Phuket or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Phuket. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Koh Phi Phi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Phuket or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

Phuket is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

Koh Phi Phi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Phuket or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, fantastic resorts can be found in both Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.

Phuket offers an unforgettable resort vacation. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

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.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel to Koh Phi Phi specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Phuket is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Is Phuket or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Both Phuket and Koh Phi Phi have fantastic beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Phuket are among the best in the world. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Koh Phi Phi is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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 Phuket or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Phuket is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Koh Phi Phi?

Phuket 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 Phuket. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

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 Phuket or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

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

Phuket offers lots of family activities. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

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 Phuket or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Koh Phi Phi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Phuket is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for backpackers. However, Phuket is a resort island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Phuket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. Many backpackers complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.

You'll find some public transit in Phuket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

While Koh Phi Phi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Is Phuket or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Phuket and Koh Phi Phi both are notable when exploring on foot.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable resort 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.

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

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

How long in Phuket or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning resort island of Phuket. 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.

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 Phuket or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the party-hard destination of Phuket. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This resort island 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 Phuket or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the party-hard resort island of Phuket. 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.

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 Phuket or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Phuket. 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 resort island.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Koh Phi Phi?

Phuket has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket 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 Phuket or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Phuket during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket 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 Phuket. Phuket usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Koh Phi Phi. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 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 Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

Phuket is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

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

December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. 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. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

In the autumn, Phuket is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

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

The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Koh Phi Phi. Phuket 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 Phuket is the dry season. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Phuket usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Phi Phi. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

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

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket 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 Phuket is June to October. 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 Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 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 Phuket. Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Phuket is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Phuket