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

Should you visit Sado or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Sado 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.

Sado

Sado is a cultural, off-the-beaten-path, and traditional island. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food. See Sado travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a dramatic, stunning, and beautiful island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Phi Phi as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Sado and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Sado 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 impressive beauty, while Sado attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Sado 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. Sado is famous for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

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

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

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

Sado offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History 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 Sado or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sado 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.

Sado has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

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 Sado or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is notable for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

Koh Phi Phi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Sado or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sado or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Sado is not a beach destination.

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.

Sado is not a beach destination.

Is Sado or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

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

Sado is a popular spot for hiking. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

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 Sado or Koh Phi Phi?

Sado 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, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

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 Sado or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sado or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

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

Sado offers lots of family activities. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

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 Sado or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

Is Sado 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 its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island 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 quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Sado or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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.

Sado is not a very walkable island. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Sado Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Sado or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sado and Koh Phi Phi. In our opinion, Koh Phi Phi has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Koh Phi Phi than Sado. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the traditional island of Sado. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Sado or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Sado. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Sado or Koh Phi Phi?

The traditional island of Sado offers food 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful destination of Koh Phi Phi. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sado or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Sado. 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.

The beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, 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 Sado and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi than you might in Sado.

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

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

Sado 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 Sado or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sado as well as Koh Phi Phi. The summer months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In the summer, Sado is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sado in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the summer, Sado often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Sado gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Sado receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sado usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Sado gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Sado are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sado this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Sado is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Sado average around 16°C (60°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Sado usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Sado gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Sado. In October, Sado usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Sado gets 127 mm (5 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 Sado or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Sado during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sado. Sado is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Sado averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Sado often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Sado gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. Sado usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Sado gets 138 mm (5.4 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 Sado or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sado and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Sado is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sado in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Sado usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Sado gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sado usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Sado gets 102 mm (4 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 Sado