A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Koh Phi Phi for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a active, ritzy, and glamourous city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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 hiking, nightlife, and food.

Surfers Paradise and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Surfers Paradise 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 scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Surfers Paradise is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Surfers Paradise is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Koh Phi Phi is popular 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.

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

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

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

Surfers Paradise offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

Surfers Paradise is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, fantastic resorts can be found in both Surfers Paradise and Koh Phi Phi.

Surfers Paradise offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Is Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Both Surfers Paradise and Koh Phi Phi have fantastic beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Surfers Paradise are among the best in the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Surfers Paradise draws large crowds to its stores. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for couples. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise and Koh Phi Phi are both fantastic destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise and Koh Phi Phi.

Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise and Koh Phi Phi are good when it comes to walkability.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Surfers Paradise and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise than Koh Phi Phi 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the thrilling city of Surfers Paradise. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the dramatic destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the remote island of Koh Phi Phi. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the ritzy city of Surfers Paradise. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi?

Surfers Paradise has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

In January, Surfers Paradise is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phiin July. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. Surfers Paradise usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Surfers Paradise gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin July. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Surfers Paradise is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In the autumn, Surfers Paradise often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin October. Surfers Paradise gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surfers Paradise usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phiin October. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of 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, Surfers Paradise is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surfers Paradise in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Surfers Paradise gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phiin January. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Surfers Paradise during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In October, Surfers Paradise is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phiin April. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 21°C (69°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. In the spring, Surfers Paradise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phiin April. Surfers Paradise gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 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 Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phiin April. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (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 Surfers Paradise