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

Should you visit Taupo or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Taupo 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.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Taupo and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Taupo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Taupo is more popular for its skiing, food, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Taupo and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Taupo is well known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

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

Is Taupo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Skiing?

Taupo is renowned for skiing. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Taupo should be on your list. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Koh Phi Phi is not a skiing destination.

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

Neither Taupo or Koh Phi Phi offer quality museums and landmarks.

Taupo offers a few options for museum-goers. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Taupo or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taupo 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.

Taupo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Koh Phi Phi know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Taupo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Taupo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Taupo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Taupo or Koh Phi Phi?

Taupo 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 Taupo. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

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 Taupo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Taupo 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, Taupo is a very family-friendly destination. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Taupo and Koh Phi Phi make for a first-rate place to visit.

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Phi Phi 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.

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

Taupo and Koh Phi Phi are first-rate places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Taupo. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular town 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Taupo and Koh Phi Phi.

You'll find some public transit in Taupo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

While Koh Phi Phi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Is Taupo or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Taupo and Koh Phi Phi both are notable when exploring on foot.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Taupo Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Taupo or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taupo 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 Taupo than Koh Phi Phi. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Taupo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the striking town of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the skiing. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this dramatic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Taupo or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Taupo. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Taupo or Koh Phi Phi?

The striking town of Taupo offers food and shopping. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Phi Phi. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Taupo or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Taupo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the skiing. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the rustic destination of Koh Phi Phi. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taupo and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Taupo is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Taupo 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 Taupo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Taupo or Koh Phi Phi?

Taupo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Taupo 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.