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

Should you visit Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a charming, cultural, and natural town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Rockhampton travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a tropical, dramatic, and stunning island. Koh Phi Phi is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Rockhampton and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton is known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Rockhampton and is known 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. Rockhampton is popular for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks.

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

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

Rockhampton is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Rockhampton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway 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 Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

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 Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Rockhampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Rockhampton is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Phi Phi is a great 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.

Rockhampton is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rockhampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Rockhampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Many people head to Rockhampton to enjoy the beach. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Is Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Rockhampton and Koh Phi Phi both have high quality trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

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 Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Phi Phi is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Rockhampton 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, Rockhampton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

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 Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Rockhampton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular island for 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.

Rockhampton is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Rockhampton is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Rockhampton. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Rockhampton and Koh Phi Phi are good when it comes to walkability.

Rockhampton is a somewhat walkable town. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

Koh Phi Phi is somewhat walkable. 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 Rockhampton Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming town of Rockhampton. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi. 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.

A weekend in Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Rockhampton. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the dramatic destination of Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island 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.

Five days in Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi?

The charming town of Rockhampton offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The rustic island of Koh Phi Phi 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.

A week in Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rockhampton. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Koh Phi Phi. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, The Best Photography Tours in Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rockhampton and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Rockhampton is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rockhampton is in Pacific and Koh Phi Phi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Rockhampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi?

Rockhampton has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rockhampton and Koh Phi Phi. The summer months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Rockhampton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Rockhampton usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin July. Rockhampton gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Rockhampton as well as Koh Phi Phi. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Rockhampton is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rockhampton averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Rockhampton usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phiin October. Rockhampton gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Rockhampton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rockhampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Rockhampton is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rockhampton in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.

In July, Rockhampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phiin January. Rockhampton gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Rockhampton during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rockhampton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In October, Rockhampton is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phiin April. Daily temperatures in Rockhampton average around 23°C (74°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rockhampton usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phiin April. Rockhampton gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Rockhampton