A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Aspiring National Park vs. Koh Phi Phi for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a remote, rugged, and breathtaking national park. Many visitors also come to Mount Aspiring National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Phi Phi as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park 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. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Phi Phi is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its resorts. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for the beach. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Phi Phi are among the best in the world. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is not a good place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Mount Aspiring National Park and Koh Phi Phi are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic scenery.

You'll find world class beauty in Mount Aspiring National Park as well. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

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.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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, Mount Aspiring National Park is very family-friendly. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Mount Aspiring National Park and Koh Phi Phi are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular national park for 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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Phi Phi is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Mount Aspiring National Park and Koh Phi Phi both are notable when exploring on foot.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable national park. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

How long in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 stunning destination of Koh Phi Phi offers nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the undeveloped destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the undeveloped national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 fun place to experience. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Aspiring National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the stunning island of Koh Phi Phi. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in 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 Mount Aspiring National Park and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Mount Aspiring National Park is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.