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

Should you visit Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rotorua and Koh Phi Phi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-renowned, diverse, and cultural town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Koh Phi Phi

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

Rotorua and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Rotorua 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 Rotorua is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Rotorua 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. Rotorua is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

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

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

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

Rotorua offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Rotorua 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.

Rotorua has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotorua is not a resort destination.

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.

Rotorua is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

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.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Both Rotorua and Koh Phi Phi are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

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 Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

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 Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Rotorua is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rotorua is a very family-friendly destination. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Both Rotorua and Koh Phi Phi are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Rotorua is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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.

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

Rotorua and Koh Phi Phi are both terrific destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Rotorua, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Rotorua and Koh Phi Phi.

Rotorua has some public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

You'll find some public transit in Koh Phi Phi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Is Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

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

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rotorua and Koh Phi Phi. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Rotorua. 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.

One day in Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the natural town of Rotorua. 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.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the natural destination of Rotorua. 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.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Phi Phi has to offer.

Five days in Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi?

The cultural town of Rotorua 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotorua. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Phi Phi. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, 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 Rotorua and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotorua 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 Rotorua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotorua 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 Rotorua Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotorua and Koh Phi Phi. Many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Rotorua is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin July. Daily temperatures in Rotorua average around 12°C (54°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Rotorua usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin July. Rotorua gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotorua as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Rotorua is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotorua averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Rotorua usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phiin October. Rotorua gets 34 mm (1.3 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 Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Rotorua is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotorua in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.

In July, Rotorua usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin January. Rotorua gets 3 mm (0.1 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 Rotorua or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Rotorua during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In October, Rotorua is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin April. Daily temperatures in Rotorua average around 19°C (66°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rotorua usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phiin April. Rotorua gets 35 mm (1.4 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 Rotorua