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

Should you visit Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Arrowtown and Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a quirky, historic, and charming town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Arrowtown travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a rustic, remote, and tropical island. Koh Phi Phi is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and nightlife. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Arrowtown and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Arrowtown 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, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Arrowtown attracts visitors for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Arrowtown and is known 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. Arrowtown is famous for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes.

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

Is Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi Better for Skiing?

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

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Arrowtown. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Koh Phi Phi is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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

Arrowtown 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.

Arrowtown has a huge number of terrific restaurants. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

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 Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Koh Phi Phi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Arrowtown has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Koh Phi Phi is a perfect 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.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi is not to be missed. 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.

Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Phi Phi is a very popular vacation 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.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is great for its old town. However, Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Arrowtown. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown is renowned for hiking. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Arrowtown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

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 Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Arrowtown is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

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 Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Phi Phi is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Arrowtown 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, Arrowtown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

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 Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for romance. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic 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.

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

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

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Arrowtown is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Arrowtown and Koh Phi Phi.

Arrowtown has some public transit options. There are public buses throughout the region.

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 Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Arrowtown and Koh Phi Phi are nice when it comes to walkability.

Arrowtown is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Arrowtown Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arrowtown and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than in Arrowtown. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Arrowtown, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Arrowtown is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the hiking. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Koh Phi Phi. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi?

Arrowtown might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the remote destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi?

Because Arrowtown is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dramatic island of Koh Phi Phi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi?

Since Arrowtown is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

Which is Bigger, Arrowtown or Koh Phi Phi?

Arrowtown has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Arrowtown 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.