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

Should you visit Toronto 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 Toronto 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.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto 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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Toronto and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Toronto have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Toronto is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Toronto and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Toronto is famous for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

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

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

Toronto 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 Toronto are world-renowned. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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

Toronto is great 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.

Toronto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Toronto 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.

Toronto is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toronto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its beaches. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Toronto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toronto or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Known for shopping, Toronto draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Toronto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Toronto 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, Toronto is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

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 Toronto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto 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.

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Toronto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Toronto 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.

Toronto has a great public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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

Is Toronto or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Toronto 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.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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

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

How long in Toronto or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

One day in Toronto or Koh Phi Phi?

Toronto is a vibrant 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, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Toronto or Koh Phi Phi?

Toronto is a vibrant 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.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Toronto or Koh Phi Phi?

Toronto is a diverse 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 great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Toronto or Koh Phi Phi?

Toronto 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Phi Phi. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, Toronto or Koh Phi Phi?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 4610 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Toronto 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 Toronto or Koh Phi Phi?

Toronto 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 Toronto or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Toronto is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toronto in July average around 21°C (70°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. In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toronto usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Toronto gets 281 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, Toronto usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Toronto gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Toronto as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In October, Toronto is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Toronto average around 11°C (51°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Toronto often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Toronto gets 153 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. Toronto usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Toronto gets 61 mm (2.4 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 Toronto or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Toronto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. Toronto is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Toronto averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Toronto usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Toronto gets 87 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toronto usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Toronto gets 52 mm (2 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 Toronto or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Toronto during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the spring, Toronto is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toronto in April average around 7°C (44°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, Toronto often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Toronto gets 179 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. Toronto usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Toronto gets 63 mm (2.5 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 Toronto