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

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.

Is Phuket or Koh Phi Phi better for Food?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi can be difficult as they are each unique 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?

It's hard to distinguish whether Phuket or Koh Phi Phi has a better nightlife scene.

Phuket has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

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.

Is Phuket or Koh Phi Phi better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, 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?

You'll find snorkeling or scuba diving in both Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.

Many visitors go to Phuket to enjoy 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.

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.

Is Phuket or Koh Phi Phi better for Beaches?

Both Phuket and Koh Phi Phi have 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 Shopping?

Phuket usually beats out Koh Phi Phi for shopping.

Phuket offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Shopping in Koh Phi Phi can be found for those interested. 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 and Koh Phi Phi are both fun destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Phuket. 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.

For families, Koh Phi Phi is not always the best place to visit. 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?

Phuket and Koh Phi Phi are both fun to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Phuket frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a great resort 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.

Is Phuket or Koh Phi Phi better for Public Transit?

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 comparable 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.

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 Koh Phi Phi.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Phuket is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Koh Phi Phi is 2-3 days.

One day in Phuket or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic 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 area has lots to do.

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 stunning 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 energetic 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 here 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.

When is the best time to visit Phuket or Koh Phi Phi?

Both destinations experience a warmer tropical 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. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

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 temperature in Phuket is usually 28°C (82°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi stays 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. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

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. At this time of the year, Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain.

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

In the autumn, Phuket is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October are around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi is 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 tropical climate. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

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. Temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi stays 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 tropical climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi 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. At this time of the year, Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain.

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. At this time of the year, Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Phuket