A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Torquay vs. Koh Phi Phi for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Torquay 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 Torquay 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.

Torquay

Torquay is a thriving, outdoorsy, and trendy surf town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Torquay is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Torquay travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a stunning, beautiful, and rustic island. Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Torquay and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Torquay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Torquay is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Torquay and is known 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. Torquay is well known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

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

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

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

Torquay offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Torquay and Koh Phi Phi.

Torquay has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Koh Phi Phi for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Torquay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Torquay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Both Torquay and Koh Phi Phi have fantastic beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Torquay are among the best in the world. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Torquay and Koh Phi Phi are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

Many visitors go to Torquay for the hiking trails. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi?

Torquay 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 Torquay. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its scenery and 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.

Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Is Torquay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

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

Torquay offers lots of family activities. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for couples.

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.

Torquay is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Phi Phi is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Torquay is a good surf town to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

Torquay and Koh Phi Phi both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Torquay offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

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

Is Torquay or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Torquay 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.

Torquay is a very walkable surf town. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable surf 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 Torquay Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Torquay or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Torquay 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 Torquay. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the hip surf town of Torquay. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the thriving destination of Torquay. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This surf 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.

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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi?

The casual surf town of Torquay offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Torquay. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Torquay and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Torquay 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 Torquay is in Pacific 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 Torquay Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Koh Phi Phi?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Torquay 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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi?

Torquay 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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Torquay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Torquay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, 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.

Torquay is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Torquay. In January, Torquay usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin July. Torquay 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.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Torquay during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the autumn, Torquay is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Torquay in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Torquay usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phiin October. Torquay gets 87 mm (3.4 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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Torquay and Koh Phi Phi. The winter months attract visitors to Torquay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Torquay is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin January. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 15°C (59°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In July, Torquay usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phiin January. Torquay gets 59 mm (2.3 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 Torquay or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Torquay as well as Koh Phi Phi. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Torquay this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Torquay is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 21°C (71°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Torquay usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phiin April. Torquay gets 75 mm (2.9 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 Torquay