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

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Yaeyama Islands and Koh Phi Phi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a pristine, luxurious, and serene archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a dramatic, stunning, and beautiful island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Yaeyama Islands and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Yaeyama Islands 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 nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Yaeyama Islands attracts visitors for its museums. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Yaeyama Islands and is popular 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. Yaeyama Islands is famous for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches.

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

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

Yaeyama Islands is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Yaeyama Islands and Koh Phi Phi.

Yaeyama Islands offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Koh Phi Phi has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

There are amazing resorts to choose from in both Yaeyama Islands and Koh Phi Phi.

Vacationers flock to Yaeyama Islands for its luxury resorts. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands and Koh Phi Phi both offer amazing beaches.

Yaeyama Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Yaeyama Islands and Koh Phi Phi, and they are superb.

Yaeyama Islands is a popular spot for hiking. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is not a good place to visit for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Yaeyama Islands 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, Yaeyama Islands is very family-friendly. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands and Koh Phi Phi both amazing destinations for a couple.

Yaeyama Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yaeyama Islands and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the pristine archipelago of Yaeyama Islands. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The tropical destination of Koh Phi Phi offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the serene destination of Yaeyama Islands. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The island of Koh Phi Phi offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the idyllic archipelago of Yaeyama Islands. 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 great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Yaeyama Islands. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Koh Phi Phi. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, 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 Yaeyama Islands and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Koh Phi Phi. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In the summer, Yaeyama Islands is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Yaeyama Islands this time of the year. In the summer, Yaeyama Islands often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Yaeyama Islands gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yaeyama Islands usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Yaeyama Islands is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 26°C (78°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Yaeyama Islands gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In October, Yaeyama Islands usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Yaeyama Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Yaeyama Islands is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Yaeyama Islands often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Yaeyama Islands gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Yaeyama Islands is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Yaeyama Islands usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Yaeyama Islands gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Yaeyama Islands