A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coffs Harbour vs. Koh Tao for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a relaxing, fun, and nature-filled vacation town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, 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.

Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao are popular destinations, Coffs Harbour has more sights and attractions for tourists. Coffs Harbour is very popular for its museums and shopping, while Koh Tao attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is famous for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also well known for the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Koh Tao is famous for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes.

How is Coffs Harbour different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Coffs Harbour. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Coffs Harbour has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

The people in Koh Tao know how to have a good time. 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao have high quality options.

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Tao to choose from. 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Is Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao are considered to be first-rate beach destinations.

Coffs Harbour is considered to be a world-class beach destination. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Koh Tao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao are destinations which offer high quality hiking.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao?

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

Coffs Harbour is well-known for its shopping. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour is an amazing family-friendly vacation town to visit. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Coffs Harbour makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao.

Public transit is mostly limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options 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.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable vacation town. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Coffs Harbour, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This vacation town 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical destination of Koh Tao. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao?

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular destination of Koh Tao. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Coffs Harbour. In Coffs Harbour, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Tao. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in 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 Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao, we can see that Coffs Harbour is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coffs Harbour and Koh Tao. Most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches, snorkeling, 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, Coffs Harbour is around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Coffs Harbour in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F)in July.

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coffs Harbour usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Coffs Harbour gets 237 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. Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coffs Harbour usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Taoin July. Coffs Harbour gets 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Coffs Harbour as well as Koh Tao. The autumn months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In April, Coffs Harbour is generally cooler than Koh Taoin October. Daily temperatures in Coffs Harbour average around 20°C (67°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In the autumn, Coffs Harbour often gets more sunshine than Koh Taoin October. Coffs Harbour gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coffs Harbour usually gets less rain in April than Koh Taoin October. Coffs Harbour gets 215 mm (8.5 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Coffs Harbour is much colder than Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Coffs Harbour averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Coffs Harbour gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Coffs Harbour usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin January. Coffs Harbour gets 63 mm (2.5 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Tao in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Coffs Harbour is cooler than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Coffs Harbour in October average around 19°C (66°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 Coffs Harbour. In the spring, Coffs Harbour often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Taoin April. Coffs Harbour gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour usually gets more rain in October than Koh Taoin April. Coffs Harbour gets 103 mm (4.1 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 Coffs Harbour