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

Should you visit Ise or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ise and Koh Phi Phi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Ise

Ise is a overlooked, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches. See Ise travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Ise and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Ise, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ise is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Ise 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. Ise is well known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

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

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

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

Ise offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

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

Ise 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.

Ise has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

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 Ise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Ise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Ise is not a resort destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Ise is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Ise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for the 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.

Ise offers a nice beach destination. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Is Ise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Ise is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ise or Koh Phi Phi?

Ise 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 Ise. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

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 Ise or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ise is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. 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.

Ise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

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

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

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 Ise or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

Is Ise 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 Ise and Koh Phi Phi.

You'll find some public transit in Ise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

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 Ise or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

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

Ise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Ise Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ise or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ise 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 Ise. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ise, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the overlooked city of Ise. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the dramatic destination of Koh Phi Phi, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ise or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Ise. This city 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.

Many people visit Koh Phi Phi for a weekend. With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the remote island of Koh Phi Phi, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ise or Koh Phi Phi?

The overlooked city of Ise offers museums and food. 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.

The destination of Koh Phi Phi offers nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Five days 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.

A week in Ise or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ise. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Ise and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Ise 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ise Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ise or Koh Phi Phi?

Ise has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Ise 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 Ise or Koh Phi Phi?

Ise 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 Ise or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Ise during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Ise is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, 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 summer, Ise often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. Ise usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Ise gets 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ise and Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Ise in the autumn for the shopping scene. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Ise is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ise in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Ise usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Ise gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ise usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Ise gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Should I visit Ise or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ise as well as Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Ise can be very cold during winter. In January, Ise is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Ise average around 5°C (40°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the winter, Ise often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Ise gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Ise usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Ise gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.

Should I visit Ise or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Ise are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Ise is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Ise usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Ise. In April, Ise usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Ise gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Ise