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

Should you visit Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a bright, colorful, and under-rated city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Yokohama travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a dramatic, stunning, and beautiful island. The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, nightlife, and food. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Yokohama and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Yokohama and Koh Phi Phi are popular destinations, Koh Phi Phi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Yokohama attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Yokohama and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also well known for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night.

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

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

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

Yokohama offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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

Yokohama 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.

Yokohama has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

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 Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Yokohama and Koh Phi Phi.

Yokohama is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

Many people head to Koh Phi Phi for the nightlife scene. 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 Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its resorts. However, Yokohama is not a resort destination.

Koh Phi Phi offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Yokohama is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Koh Phi Phi specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its beaches. However, Yokohama is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Phi Phi are among the best in the world. 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.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Yokohama is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

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 Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. 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.

Yokohama is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Yokohama 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, Yokohama is a very family-friendly destination. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

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 Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for romance. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Koh Phi Phi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Yokohama is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

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

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Phi Phi is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Yokohama is a good city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Yokohama 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 Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama 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.

Yokohama has some very good public transit options. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

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

Is Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is a very walkable city. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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

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

How long in Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yokohama and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than in Yokohama. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yokohama, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Yokohama is a diverse city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi?

Yokohama is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Phi Phi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi?

The diverse city of Yokohama offers shopping and museums. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, 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 Yokohama and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Yokohama 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 Yokohama would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yokohama 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 Yokohama Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 3570 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama 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 Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi?

Yokohama 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 Yokohama or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Yokohama during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the summer, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yokohama in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 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 Yokohama. Yokohama usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Yokohama is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Koh Phi Phi. The winter months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Yokohama is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the winter, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Yokohama usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Yokohama. In April, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Yokohama