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

Should you visit Cromwell 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 Cromwell 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.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historical town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Cromwell travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. Many visitors also come to Koh Tao because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Cromwell and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cromwell or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Cromwell, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cromwell is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, and small town charm. Koh Tao is more touristy than Cromwell and is known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Also, Koh Tao is famous for Mango Bay Viewpoint. Cromwell is well known for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Cromwell different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cromwell or Koh Tao Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Koh Tao is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Cromwell is a great destination to visit. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Koh Tao is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Cromwell offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

Koh Tao is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koh Tao has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Cromwell or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a great island for nightlife and partying. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Koh Tao has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Is Cromwell or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cromwell or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is very popular for the beach. However, Cromwell is not a beach destination.

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.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Cromwell or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Cromwell for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive 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 Cromwell or Koh Tao?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cromwell and Koh Tao both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cromwell. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

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 Cromwell or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Koh Tao is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Tao because of it's amazing beauty. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.

Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cromwell or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Cromwell 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, Cromwell is very family-friendly. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

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 Cromwell or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

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

Cromwell is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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 Cromwell or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Tao is extremely popular for backpackers. 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 Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

Cromwell and Koh Tao both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

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 Cromwell or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is a great island for its high level of walkability. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Cromwell?

How long in Cromwell or Koh Tao?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Tao than Cromwell. 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 Cromwell 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 Cromwell or Koh Tao?

In Cromwell, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

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 Cromwell or Koh Tao?

In Cromwell, you'll find museums and skiing. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cromwell 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 Cromwell or Koh Tao?

Cromwell is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Cromwell or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cromwell. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Cromwell. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure 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 Cromwell and Koh Tao, we can see that Cromwell is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cromwell 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 Cromwell would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cromwell 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 Cromwell Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.