A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Railay Beach vs. Koh Phi Phi for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a fun-filled, adventurous, and dramatic beach area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a dramatic, stunning, and beautiful island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi are popular destinations, Koh Phi Phi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Railay Beach attracts visitors for its shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Railay Beach and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also well known for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Railay Beach is famous for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing.

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

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

Neither Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi offer quality museums and landmarks.

Railay Beach offers a few options for museum-goers. This is an adventure sport destination that is popular for rock climbing and its scenic beauty. Therefore, there are no real museums or temples in the area.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi can be an enjoyable experience.

Railay Beach offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a number of tourist oriented restaurants. Many are affiliated with hotels and resorts and serve the standard Thai options along with pizza and burgers.

Koh Phi Phi has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Railay Beach. It's a secluded area with a decent number of laid back bars that are usually associated with hotels or resorts. There's also a young crowd, including backpackers, who come for the beautiful setting and great rock climbing. This population insures that there's always something going on at night.

Is Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its resorts. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Koh Phi Phi is a perfect choice. 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.

Railay Beach is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Is Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its diving and snorkeling.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi is not to be missed. 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.

Many visitors go to Railay Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Is Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Phi Phi is a very popular vacation 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Railay Beach. The beaches are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs. There are three areas: Railay Beach West is scenic with its surrounding cliffs and popular resorts. This is the place to swim or watch the sunset. Railay Beach East is most popular for its rock climbing. You should also check out Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.

Is Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Railay Beach is not a hiking destination.

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.

Railay Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi?

Railay Beach is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Railay Beach has some nice offerings. The Walking Street has shops that sell bathing suits or anything you may have forgotten.

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 Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

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

Railay Beach offers lots of family activities. This is a favorite beach area for many visitors to Thailand. It's only accessible by water and it offers adventure sports and calm waters that are nice for kids.

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 Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Phi Phi 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.

Railay Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rock climbing is a favorite activity here, and couples who have an adventurous spirit will enjoy this dramatic location.

Is Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Phi Phi is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Many backpackers visit Railay Beach. There's no shortage of affordable accommodation that attracts budget travelers and backpackers. The area's world class rock climbing also appeals to the young and adventurous crowd.

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

Koh Phi Phi is very good for its public transit. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Railay Beach. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.

Is Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Railay Beach is renowned 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.

Railay Beach is a very easy beach area to get around on foot. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable beach area. 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 Railay Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Railay Beach?

How long in Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Railay Beach than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Railay Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous beach area of Railay Beach. 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, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this remote island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the adventurous destination of Railay Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach area 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 fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi?

The dramatic beach area of Railay Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the remote destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Railay Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.

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

When is the best time to visit Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

August to October in Railay Beach is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Railay Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Railay Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Koh Phi Phi. Railay Beach 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.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Railay Beach this time of the year. In the summer, Railay Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Railay Beach gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Railay Beach is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Railay Beach in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

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

The dry season in Railay Beach is December to March. The rainy season in Railay Beach is August to October. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. 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 Railay Beach. In October, Railay Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Railay Beach gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

In October, Railay Beach is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Railay Beach average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

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

December to March is the dry season in Railay Beach. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. Railay Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Phi Phi. Railay Beach 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.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. In the winter, Railay Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Railay Beach gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Railay Beach is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Railay Beach averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

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

Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Railay Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Railay Beach 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.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Railay Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Railay Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during spring. Railay Beach gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Railay Beach is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Railay Beach in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Railay Beach