A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Koh Phi Phi for Couples, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Tartu 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 Tartu 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.

Tartu

Tartu is a lively, intellectual, and student-oriented university town. Tartu is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife. See Tartu 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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Tartu and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Tartu 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 museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is known for its historical sights and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Tartu and is known 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. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

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

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

Koh Phi Phi is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a island with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koh Phi Phi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Tartu and Koh Phi Phi.

The nightlife in Tartu has something for everybody. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

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.

Is Tartu or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

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

Tartu is not a resort destination.

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

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

Tartu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tartu or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Tartu is not a beach destination.

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.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

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

Tartu 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 Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Phi Phi for the hiking trails. 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.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Koh Phi Phi?

Tartu is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Tartu has some nice offerings. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

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 Tartu or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Is Tartu or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

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

Tartu offers lots of family activities. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

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 Tartu or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Tartu 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, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular island 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Tartu or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Tartu is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Tartu. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

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

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

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

Is Tartu or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Tartu 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.

Tartu is a very walkable university town. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable university 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 Tartu Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Tartu or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the student-oriented university town of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Koh Phi Phi, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tartu or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the intellectual destination of Tartu. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This university 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Koh Phi Phi?

The student-oriented university town of Tartu offers nightlife. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Phi Phi. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Tartu. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the tropical destination of Koh Phi Phi. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Tartu 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 Tartu or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tartu for 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, Tartu is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tartu. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Tartu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tartu in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Tartu is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 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 Tartu or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tartu can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°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. Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 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 Tartu or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Koh Phi Phi. The spring months attract visitors to Tartu because of the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In April, Tartu is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the spring, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 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 Tartu