A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wellington vs. Koh Phi Phi for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Wellington or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Wellington travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a stunning, beautiful, and rustic island. Koh Phi Phi is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Wellington and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Wellington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Wellington and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches.

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

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

Wellington is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Wellington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Wellington 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.

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Wellington and Koh Phi Phi.

Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Wellington or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Wellington or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Wellington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Is Wellington or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Koh Phi Phi?

Wellington is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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 Wellington or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wellington or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Wellington 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, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Phi Phi is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Wellington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Wellington or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Wellington 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 Wellington. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Wellington is great 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.

Wellington has some very good public transit options. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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

Is Wellington or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

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

How long in Wellington or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wellington and Koh Phi Phi. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the compact city of Wellington. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the dramatic island of Koh Phi Phi, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wellington or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the funky destination of Wellington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Phi Phi, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Wellington or Koh Phi Phi?

The funky city of Wellington offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wellington. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Koh Phi Phi?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Koh Phi Phi?

Wellington 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 Wellington or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Koh Phi Phi. The summer months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Wellington is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Wellington gets 242 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 January, Wellington usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Koh Phi Phi. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In the autumn, Wellington is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

In the autumn, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin October. Wellington gets 163 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. Wellington usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phiin October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 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 Wellington or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wellington for the museums, 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.

In July, Wellington is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin January. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. In July, Wellington usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phiin January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 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 Wellington or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Wellington during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wellington in the spring for the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Wellington is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin April. Wellington gets 180 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. Wellington usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phiin April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 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 Wellington