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

Should you visit Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a laid-back, park-filled, and snowy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Sapporo travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a tropical, dramatic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Sapporo and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Sapporo 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 resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sapporo is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Sapporo 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. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival.

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

Is Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is great for skiing. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Sapporo. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Koh Phi Phi is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Sapporo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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

Sapporo 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.

Sapporo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Sapporo and Koh Phi Phi.

The nightlife in Sapporo has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

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.

Is Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Phi Phi for the hiking trails. 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.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Sapporo is well-known for its shopping. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

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 Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

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

Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Sapporo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Sapporo 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, Sapporo is very family-friendly. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Sapporo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Sapporo is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Sapporo has some very good public transit options. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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

Is Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Sapporo is great 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.

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Sapporo Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Sapporo is a laid-back city where you can fill many days. 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 Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi?

Sapporo is a park-filled big city where you can fill many days. 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.

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 Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi?

The snowy city of Sapporo offers museums and skiing. 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 Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting Sapporo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to 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 Sapporo and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 1880 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Sapporo is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 21°C (69°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Sapporo gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In July, Sapporo usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Sapporo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Sapporo is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Sapporo often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Sapporo gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. Sapporo usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Sapporo can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Sapporo is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sapporo in January average around -5°C (24°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Sapporo gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Koh Phi Phi. The spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In April, Sapporo is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 7°C (44°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the spring, Sapporo often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Sapporo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Sapporo usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Sapporo