A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Jose vs. Koh Phi Phi for Couples, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit San Jose or Koh Phi Phi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Koh Phi Phi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

San Jose

San Jose is a traditional, colorful, and bustling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See San Jose travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a rustic, remote, and tropical island. Koh Phi Phi is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, nightlife, and food. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

San Jose and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Jose or Koh Phi Phi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although San Jose 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 resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Jose attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than San Jose and is known 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. San Jose is famous for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

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

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

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

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

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 San Jose or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both San Jose and Koh Phi Phi offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Phi Phi. 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 San Jose or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Jose and Koh Phi Phi.

San Jose has a large number of nightlife venues. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is San Jose or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose is not a resort destination.

Koh Phi Phi offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

Is San Jose or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Koh Phi Phi specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Jose or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Phi Phi are among the best in 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.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is San Jose or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Jose is not a hiking destination.

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.

San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Jose or Koh Phi Phi?

San Jose is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

San Jose is well-known for its shopping. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

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 San Jose or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose 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.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Jose or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Neither San Jose nor Koh Phi Phi are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

San Jose is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Koh Phi Phi doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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 San Jose or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Koh Phi Phi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is San Jose or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Koh Phi Phi. 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.

San Jose is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

Is San Jose or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

San Jose 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 San Jose. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both San Jose and Koh Phi Phi.

San Jose has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

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 San Jose or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

San Jose and Koh Phi Phi are nice when it comes to walkability.

San Jose is somewhat walkable. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable place. 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 San Jose Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or San Jose?

How long in San Jose or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling city of San Jose. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in San Jose or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional destination of San Jose. This city 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Phi Phi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in San Jose or Koh Phi Phi?

The authentic city of San Jose offers shopping and museums. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in San Jose or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Jose. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between San Jose and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that San Jose 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 San Jose is in Central America 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 San Jose Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Jose or Koh Phi Phi?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of San Jose 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 San Jose or Koh Phi Phi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit San Jose or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Jose usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit San Jose or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

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

Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit San Jose or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose 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 Koh Phi Phi is December to March. In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

San Jose is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit San Jose or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and San Jose during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose 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 April is the dry season in San Jose. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. San Jose usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 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 San Jose. In the spring, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

In the spring, San Jose is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and San Jose