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

Should you visit Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Tokyo 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a high tech, high energy, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Tokyo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Tokyo 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Tokyo and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tokyo. Although Tokyo and Koh Phi Phi are both popular with visitors, Tokyo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tokyo is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Phi Phi is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Tokyo and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple.

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

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

Tokyo is renowned for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tokyo are world-renowned. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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

Tokyo is renowned 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.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

Tokyo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Koh Phi Phi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Music?

Tokyo is renowned for its live music scene. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Tokyo. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Koh Phi Phi is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Tokyo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Phi Phi is a great choice. 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.

Tokyo is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is great for hiking. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi?

Tokyo is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Tokyo draws large crowds to its stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tokyo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's colorful skyscrapers and historic temples make this a truly one-of-a-kind place to explore.

Is Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Tokyo is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for couples. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Tokyo has a great public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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

Is Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Tokyo is renowned 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.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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

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

How long in Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tokyo and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Tokyo. 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 Tokyo than Koh Phi Phi 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 Tokyo.

One day in Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi?

Tokyo is a high tech city where you can fill many days. 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.

In Koh Phi Phi, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this stunning 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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi?

Tokyo is a cutting edge big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi?

Tokyo is a iconic city where you can fill many days. 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. 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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi?

Tokyo is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, 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 Tokyo and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 8340 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and 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, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Tokyo gets 137 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 Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Tokyo is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Tokyo gets 129 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Koh Phi Phi. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Tokyo is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°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. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 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 Tokyo or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In April, Tokyo is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°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, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Tokyo gets 161 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. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koh Phi Phi. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 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 Tokyo