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

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a charming, famous, and cultural coastal town. Many visitors also come to Dubrovnik because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Dubrovnik travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a tropical, dramatic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Dubrovnik and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Dubrovnik 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 nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Dubrovnik is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Dubrovnik is popular for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. 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 Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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

Dubrovnik is renowned 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.

For foodies, Dubrovnik is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta 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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Koh Phi Phi has something for everybody. 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 Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its resorts.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Dubrovnik. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dubrovnik is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Is Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Dubrovnik to enjoy the beach. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

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

Dubrovnik is renowned for its old town. However, Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Dubrovnik is one of the most recognized in the world. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of first-rate scenery and beauty in both Dubrovnik and Koh Phi Phi.

Many visitors also come to Dubrovnik because of it's amazing beauty. This historic city has a famous walled old town. It sits beautifully along the coast and offers stunning views of the area.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Phi Phi as well. 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.

Is Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik is very family-friendly. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

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

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Dubrovnik and Koh Phi Phi are first-rate places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Dubrovnik, as it is a very popular coastal town for budget travelers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town 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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubrovnik and Koh Phi Phi both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Dubrovnik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

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

Is Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is renowned 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.

Dubrovnik is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable coastal 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 Dubrovnik Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dubrovnik and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Dubrovnik, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Koh Phi Phi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubrovnik that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

One day in Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic coastal town of Dubrovnik. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal 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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the coastal destination of Dubrovnik. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal 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 rustic 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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming coastal town of Dubrovnik. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical 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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dubrovnik. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the food. 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 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, 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 Dubrovnik and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubrovnik is in Europe 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi?

Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, 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.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In July, Dubrovnik usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Dubrovnik during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Dubrovnik is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Dubrovnik is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubrovnik in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 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 Dubrovnik or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In April, Dubrovnik is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dubrovnik usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 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 Dubrovnik