A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Koh Tao for Beaches, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Adelaide or Koh Tao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Koh Tao 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.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a under-rated, elegant, and welcoming city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Adelaide and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Koh Tao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Adelaide and Koh Tao are popular destinations, Koh Tao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Tao is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Adelaide attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Koh Tao is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also well known for Mango Bay Viewpoint. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Adelaide different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Tao and Adelaide. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Koh Tao?

Adelaide is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Koh Tao. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Adelaide or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Koh Tao has a large number of nightlife venues. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Adelaide is not a resort destination.

In Koh Tao, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Adelaide is not a resort destination.

Is Adelaide or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Tao is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Adelaide or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is renowned for its beaches. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Koh Tao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Is Adelaide or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tao. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Koh Tao?

Adelaide is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Adelaide is well-known for its shopping. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Adelaide or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Both Adelaide and Koh Tao are nice to visit with kids.

Adelaide is a family-friendly city. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tao. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Adelaide or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Koh Tao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Koh Tao. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Adelaide or Koh Tao Better for Students?

Adelaide is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tao is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Koh Tao is not popular with students.

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

Adelaide is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Adelaide can get you to some places easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Adelaide or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Adelaide and Koh Tao are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Koh Tao is a very walkable city. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Koh Tao?

Both Adelaide and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Adelaide. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Tao than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Tao that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Adelaide 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 Tao.

One day in Adelaide or Koh Tao?

In Adelaide, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful island of Koh Tao offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Adelaide or Koh Tao?

In Adelaide, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Adelaide has to offer.

Koh Tao 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 Tao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Koh Tao?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Koh Tao is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Tao, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koh Tao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Tao has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Koh Tao, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific and Koh Tao 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 Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide than you might in Koh Tao.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adelaide Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Koh Tao?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 780 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Koh Tao, 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 Adelaide or Koh Tao?

Adelaide has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Koh Tao. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Adelaide is around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adelaide in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F)in July.

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin July. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Koh Tao. The autumn months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In April, Adelaide is generally cooler than Koh Taoin October. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Koh Taoin October. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Koh Taoin October. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October and November in Koh Tao is the rainy season.

Should I visit Adelaide or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Adelaide is much colder than Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. Adelaide usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin January. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.

Should I visit Adelaide or Koh Tao in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Adelaide is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adelaide in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the spring, Adelaide often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Taoin April. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Koh Taoin April. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Adelaide