A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Koh Tao for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Bali 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 Bali and Koh Tao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a cultural, stunning, and tropical island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a tropical, popular, and laid back island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Bali and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bali than Koh Tao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Koh Tao is more popular for its museums. Bali is more touristy than Koh Tao and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Koh Tao is well known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes.

How is Bali different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Koh Tao is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Dining out in Koh Tao is an experience not to be missed. 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 Bali or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Bali is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Bali is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Koh Tao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Bali or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its resorts.

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

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.

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

Bali and Koh Tao both offer terrific scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali is not to be missed. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

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

Is Bali or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Bali and Koh Tao are terrific choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Bali is a very popular vacation destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

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

Is Bali or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Bali and Koh Tao.

Bali is a popular spot for hiking. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Koh Tao?

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

Bali is well-known for its shopping. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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 Bali or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Bali 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, Bali is very family-friendly. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

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 Bali or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for couples.

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Bali or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bali and Koh Tao are terrific destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Tao, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. 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.

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

Bali 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 Bali offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

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 Bali or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Koh Tao is a very walkable island. 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.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Bali?

How long in Bali or Koh Tao?

Both Bali and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Bali has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bali than Koh Tao. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

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

One day in Bali or Koh Tao?

In Bali, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Tao. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Koh Tao?

In Bali, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Koh Tao is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Koh Tao?

Bali is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bali has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the tropical destination of Koh Tao. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. In Bali, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Tao. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Koh Tao?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Koh Tao?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Bali or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Koh Tao. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Koh Tao. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the summer, Bali often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.

Bali is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Bali or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Bali is October to March. The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Bali is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Bali or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

October to March is the rainy season in Bali. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao. Bali usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Tao. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Bali often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.

In January, Bali is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Should I visit Bali or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

April to September in Bali is the dry season. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In April, Bali usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Tao. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bali is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Bali