A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cairns vs. Koh Tao for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Cairns or Koh Tao?

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

Should I visit Cairns or Koh Tao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cairns

Cairns is a adventure-filled, tropical, and idyllic city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a beautiful, tropical, and popular island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cairns and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cairns or Koh Tao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cairns. Although Cairns and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Cairns has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cairns is more popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Koh Tao is known for its impressive beauty. Cairns is more touristy than Koh Tao and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef. Koh Tao is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes.

How is Cairns different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cairns is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Cairns specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

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

Cairns has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Koh Tao makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Cairns or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Cairns 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 Cairns is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Cairns or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Cairns and Koh Tao offer a relatively similar set of very good luxury resort options.

Cairns is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

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.

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

There's fantastic scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Cairns and Koh Tao.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cairns a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

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.

Is Cairns or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cairns and Koh Tao are fantastic choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cairns. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

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.

Is Cairns or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Cairns 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, Cairns draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

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 Cairns or Koh Tao?

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

Cairns is well-known for its shopping. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, 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 Cairns or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Cairns is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Cairns is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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 Cairns or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cairns and Koh Tao make for a very good place to visit.

Cairns makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Cairns or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns and Koh Tao are both fantastic destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Cairns, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Koh Tao is a mecca for backpackers and 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 Cairns or Koh Tao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cairns 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 Cairns offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

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 Cairns or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

Koh Tao is a very walkable destination. 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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Cairns?

How long in Cairns or Koh Tao?

Both Cairns 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 Cairns. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Cairns, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns 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 Cairns.

One day in Cairns or Koh Tao?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Tao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cairns or Koh Tao?

In Cairns, 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cairns or Koh Tao?

Cairns 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 Cairns has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cairns or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Cairns. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Koh Tao. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cairns or Koh Tao?

Cairns has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Cairns 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 Cairns or Koh Tao?

Cairns 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 Cairns or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairns and Koh Tao. Many travelers come to Cairns for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Cairns is generally a little warmer than Koh Taoin July. Daily temperatures in Cairns average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cairns usually receives more rain than Koh Taoin July. Cairns gets 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Cairns or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cairns as well as Koh Tao. Many visitors come to Cairns in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

Cairns is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cairns averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Cairns receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cairns usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koh Taoin October. Cairns gets 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. October and November in Koh Tao is the rainy season.

Should I visit Cairns or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Cairns are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Cairns is around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cairns in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

In July, Cairns usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin January. Cairns gets 35 mm (1.4 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 Cairns or Koh Tao in the Spring?

Both Koh Tao and Cairns during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

In October, Cairns is generally around the same temperature as Koh Taoin April. Daily temperatures in Cairns average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Cairns usually gets less rain in October than Koh Taoin April. Cairns gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Cairns