Since Phi Phi Island and Phuket are both situated off the southwestern coast of Thailand, they are usually compared to each other. In addition, both places have some similar features and receive lots of visitors every year. As a result of this, you may have a hard time deciding whether to stay in Phuket or Phi Phi Island.
There is no specific formula for deciding which of these two locations you should stay at. Your lifestyle, needs, and preference are the most important factors that will decide which city is the most suitable for you. As explained by experienced tourists on Asking Lot, if you want a quiet experience on the Southwestern coast of the Land of Smiles. Phi Phi Island is the right place for you but Phuket will be your best bet if you want to access awesome resorts, various amenities, and exceptional nightlife.
Maybe you are still uncertain about which of these two cities you stay in when exploring Thailand. In this post, we will compare these two locations and also describe how to choose one of them. So, continue reading to learn more about Phuket and Phi Phi Island.
Phuket or Phi Phi Island: Cost of Living
Whether you are staying for a short or long period, the cost of living in a place will have a significant impact on your budget. Therefore, it is important to consider the cost of living of Phi Phi Island and Phuket before choosing one of them. Overall, Phuket is costlier to live in than Phi Phi Island. From accommodation to transportation, food, utilities, and lots more, you will need to spend more if you are in Phuket than on Phi Phi Island. Check out Budget Your Trip to have a good understanding of the cost of living in these two locations.
So, if you are on a tight budget, Phi Phi Island as the location is cheaper to live in. But to enjoy the best of luxurious amenities, Phuket has more to offer than Phi Phi Island.
Phuket or Phi Phi Island: Beaches
Both Phuket and Phi Phi Island are havens for beach lovers. They have beautiful, sprawling beaches that are perfect for a wide range of activities. Whether you just want to sit down, relax and bask in the warm weather, or get involved in different activities, there are various beaches for you.
When you are in Phuket, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Freedom Beach. It is the right beach for anyone that values serenity, peace, and calmness. You may also want to check out Kata Beach, which has tons of surf spots, palm trees, and eye-catching clear waters. There are also bars, restaurants, hotels, and other nice sites around Kata Beach.
Comparatively, Phi Phi Island provides as many amazing beaches as Phuket. Maya Bay is probably the most visited beach on the island. This is because tons of visitors want to see its huge limestone cliffs and other features. But if you want to avoid the crowd at the beach, consider visiting Bamboo Island.
Phuket or Phi Phi Island: Nightlife
Although Phi Phi also has an array of nightclubs and bars, the islands’ nightlife cannot compare to Phuket’s nightlife. Generally, Phuket is always buzzing as there are numerous partygoers there. Several bars and nightclubs are boosting the nightlife of Phuket. You will also come across lots of sunset bars, live music venues, and live cabarets in Phuket. A few of the clubs you can visit in the city include Illuzion, Seduction, and Banana. You may also want to spend some time in well-known bars such as HQ Beach Lounge, Dream Beach Club, and Xana Beach Club.
Phi Phi doesn’t offer as much nightlife in Phuket, but there are still a couple of nightlife spots to visit on the island. The majority of the pubs, bars, clubs and other lively spots in Phi Phi are found in Tonsai Village. Some of the nightclubs on the islands include Ibiza Beach Club, Carlito’s Beach Bar, and Banana Rooftop Bar. Loh Dalum Bay, Tonsai East, and other places on Phi Phi Islands don’t offer many nightlife options.
Factors to consider to choose between Phuket and Phi Phi
Perhaps you are still contemplating whether to stay in Phuket or Phi Phi. Here are some factors you can use to make a choice between these two places:
- Your budget
How much are you willing to spend during your stay on the Southwestern coast of Thailand? If you have a big budget, go for Phuket. However, if you don’t want to spend too much, Phi Phi should be your choice.
- Your lifestyle
Are you a regular party goer that wants to spend lots of time at nightclubs, bars, and LGBT+ spots? Then, you should consider staying in Phuket. Phi Phi Islands are for those that prefer a quieter lifestyle with some touches of fun and nightlife.
- Safety
When it comes to safety, there is no difference between these two locations in Thailand. Without mincing words, none of the locations is known for experiencing crimes. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be careful. Remember that crime happens everywhere, and Phuket and Phi Phi are no exception.
- Popularity
When the popularity of these two places is compared, Phuket is more popular than Phi Phi. This is because lots of tourists visit Phuket every day. As a result of the popularity, many areas of Phuket are usually overcrowded. So, if you want to avoid overcrowding, you may want to live in Phi Phi.
In a nutshell, both Phuket and Phi Phi Islands are nice places that you can stay when you are in Thailand. However, Phuket seems to be livelier, more crowded, and filled with more amazing amenities than Phi Phi. On the other hand, Phi Phi has the advantage of being less congested; hence, it is a great place for anyone that wants to stay in a quiet yet enjoyable location.
So, think about these factors before deciding where to stay between these two locations.
