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

Should you visit Arrowtown or Koh Tao?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Arrowtown and Koh Tao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a quirky, historic, and charming town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Koh Tao

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

Arrowtown and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arrowtown or Koh Tao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Arrowtown and Koh Tao are popular destinations, Arrowtown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arrowtown is very popular for its skiing, museums, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Koh Tao attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Arrowtown is famous for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also well known for the Chinese Settlement. Koh Tao is famous for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes.

How is Arrowtown different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arrowtown or Koh Tao Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is great for skiing. However, Koh Tao is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Arrowtown. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Koh Tao is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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 Arrowtown or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Arrowtown and Koh Tao.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Arrowtown or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Koh Tao has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Arrowtown has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Arrowtown or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Tao. 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.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

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

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Tao is not to be missed. 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.

Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arrowtown or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tao is a very popular vacation 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.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Arrowtown or Koh Tao Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is great for its old town. However, Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Arrowtown to see the historical old town. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Is Arrowtown or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Arrowtown draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Koh Tao is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Arrowtown or Koh Tao?

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

Arrowtown is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

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 Arrowtown or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Arrowtown is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Arrowtown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Arrowtown or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Both Arrowtown and Koh Tao are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Arrowtown makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Couples visit Koh Tao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Koh Tao is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Arrowtown 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.

Arrowtown is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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

Arrowtown is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Arrowtown offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses throughout the region.

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 Arrowtown or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Koh Tao is very walkable. 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.

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Arrowtown?

How long in Arrowtown or Koh Tao?

Both Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Arrowtown, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown or Koh Tao?

Arrowtown is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Koh Tao. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arrowtown or Koh Tao?

Arrowtown might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arrowtown has to offer.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid back destination of Koh Tao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arrowtown or Koh Tao?

Arrowtown is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful island of Koh Tao. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Arrowtown or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arrowtown. Since Arrowtown is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koh Tao is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Tao, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arrowtown and Koh Tao, we can see that Arrowtown is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arrowtown or Koh Tao?

Arrowtown has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Arrowtown 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.