A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tianjin vs. Koh Phi Phi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tianjin or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Tianjin 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.

Where Should I go: Tianjin or Koh Phi Phi?

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.

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


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Tianjin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $92, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tianjin and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $35
    Koh Phi Phi $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $70
    Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Koh Phi Phi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Tianjin


Hotels in Koh Phi Phi


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tianjin $37
    Koh Phi Phi $7.93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels : $225
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Tianjin Hotels to Mutianyu Great Wall: $212
  • Private Transfer from Tianjin International Airport to Beijing Downtown: $208
  • Private One Way Tianjin Port Transfer to Beijing including Great Wall Sightseeing: $198
  • Tianjin Private Transfer to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall: $196
  • Private Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall from Tianjin City: $178
  • Private Tianjin Port Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $178
  • Private PEK Airport Departure Transfer from Tianjin with Bullet Train Experience: $168
  • Private Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Great Wall of China with Beijing Drop-Off: $168
  • Private Tianjin Port Transfer: Between Beijing to Tianjin Port: $160
  • Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
  • Private One Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port and Beijing: $132

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $17
  • Longboat Taxi
    $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi

Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
  • Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Tianjin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tianjin $36
    Koh Phi Phi $23

Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.88
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $11
  • Casual Lunch
    $6.59
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.31
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $13
  • Sit Down Dinner
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
  • International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $10
    Koh Phi Phi $52

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.

  • Private Tour to Uncover Tianjin’s Must-Visit Bucket-List Spots : $248
  • 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224
  • All-inclusive Tianjin Day Tour to Qing Emperor's Tomb & Huangyaguan Great Wall : $278
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
  • From Beijing: Tianjin Highlights Day Tour by High-Speed Rail: $289
  • Huangyaguan Great Wall Layover Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $265
  • Private Great Wall Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $248
  • Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
  • Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental
    $9.42

Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.

  • Activities In & Around Phuket: Full Day Customizable Tour : $110
  • 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $184
  • Banana Beach Premium: Shared Tour: $137
  • Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $65
  • Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi: $100
  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
  • Half Day Rainforest and Waterfall Tour in Thailand: $99
  • Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $110
  • Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
  • Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Maya Bay Sleep aboard Tour From Phi Phi: $143

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    Koh Phi Phi $6.51

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:


  • Mojito Bucket
    $16
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $6.28


When comparing the travel costs between Tianjin and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Tianjin Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Koh Phi Phi?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 3770 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Koh Phi Phi?

Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Tianjin gets 224 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. It's quite rainy in Tianjin. In July, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Tianjin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In October, Tianjin is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the autumn, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Tianjin gets 227 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. Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tianjin. Tianjin is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In the spring, Tianjin is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the spring, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Tianjin gets 247 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. Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Tianjin gets 25 mm (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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Tianjin

Tianjin Koh Phi Phi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)