A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Reykjavik vs. Koh Phi Phi for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come to Reykjavik because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Reykjavik 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 hiking, nightlife, and food. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Reykjavik and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Reykjavik 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 museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Reykjavik 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. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

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

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

Koh Phi Phi is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Phi Phi is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

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 Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

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 Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Reykjavik and Koh Phi Phi both are comparable with their fantastic scenery and beauty.

Reykjavik is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.

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.

Is Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Reykjavik 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, Reykjavik is very family-friendly. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

Is Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik and Koh Phi Phi.

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

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 Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is great 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Reykjavik Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the clean city of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

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 Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the clean destination of Reykjavik. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the dramatic 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 Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green city of Reykjavik. 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.

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 Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. 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.

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 Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, 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 Reykjavik and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Reykjavik is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Reykjavik in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. In October, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 5°C (41°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Reykjavik is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In the spring, Reykjavik is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Reykjavik in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Reykjavik