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

Should you visit Picton 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 Picton 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.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Picton travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

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

Picton and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Picton 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 nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Picton is known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Picton 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. Picton is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

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

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

Picton is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Picton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Picton 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.

Picton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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 Picton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Picton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its resorts. However, Picton is not a resort destination.

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.

Picton is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Picton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for the beach. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

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.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Picton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Picton and Koh Phi Phi, and they are superb.

Picton is a popular spot for hiking. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Picton or Koh Phi Phi?

Picton 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 Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

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 Picton or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Phi Phi as well. 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.

Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Picton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Picton 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, Picton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for couples. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Koh Phi Phi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for backpackers. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

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

Picton has a few public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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

Is Picton or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Picton 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.

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable 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 Picton Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Picton or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Picton and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than in Picton. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Picton, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic town of Picton. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. 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 Picton or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Picton. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This 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.

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 Picton or Koh Phi Phi?

The relaxing town of Picton offers museums and food. 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.

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 Picton or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Picton. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the dramatic 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Picton and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Picton is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Picton is in Pacific and Koh Phi Phi is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Picton Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Picton or Koh Phi Phi?

Picton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Picton 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 Picton or Koh Phi Phi?

Picton 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 Picton or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

In January, Picton is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin July. Daily temperatures in Picton average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Picton usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phiin July. Picton gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Picton is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Picton averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Picton usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin October. Picton gets 82 mm (3.2 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 Picton or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Picton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Picton 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, Picton is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Picton in July average around 10°C (49°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Picton. Picton usually gets more rain in July than Koh Phi Phiin January. Picton gets 111 mm (4.4 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 Picton or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

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

In October, Picton is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin April. Daily temperatures in Picton average around 13°C (55°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Picton usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin April. Picton gets 93 mm (3.7 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 Picton