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

Should you visit Darwin or Koh Tao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin or Koh Tao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Darwin

Darwin is a local, tropical, and multicultural town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Tao

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

Darwin and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Darwin or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Darwin, 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 Darwin is more popular for its museums. Koh Tao is more touristy than Darwin and is popular 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. Darwin is well known for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Darwin different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Darwin offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

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

Koh Tao is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Darwin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Is Darwin or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Is Darwin or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is notable for its resorts. However, Darwin is not a resort destination.

Koh Tao is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Darwin is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Darwin or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is terrific for the beache. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Darwin. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Is Darwin or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Darwin and Koh Tao are both places where visitors can find superb hiking trails.

Darwin is a popular spot for hiking. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

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 Darwin or Koh Tao?

Both Darwin and Koh Tao are notable shopping destinations.

Darwin offers some nice shopping areas. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Koh Tao has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Darwin or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Darwin 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, Darwin is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

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 Darwin or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Darwin is a good town for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

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

Koh Tao is terrific for backpackers. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Darwin is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

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

Darwin 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 Darwin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

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 Darwin or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Darwin is a somewhat walkable town. There are biking and walking paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Darwin?

How long in Darwin or Koh Tao?

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

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

In Darwin, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This 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 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 Darwin or Koh Tao?

In Darwin, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Darwin has to offer.

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 Darwin or Koh Tao?

Darwin 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.

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 Darwin or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Darwin. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Darwin. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful 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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours 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 Darwin and Koh Tao, we can see that Darwin is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Darwin 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Darwin or Koh Tao?

Darwin has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Darwin 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 Darwin or Koh Tao?

Darwin 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 Darwin or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Darwin as well as Koh Tao. The summer months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

Darwin is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (83°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in July.

In the summer, Darwin often gets less sunshine than Koh Taoin July. Darwin gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Darwin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Darwin usually gets more rain in January than Koh Taoin July. Darwin gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Darwin or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Darwin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Darwin this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Darwin is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Darwin in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during autumn. Darwin gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In April, Darwin usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin October. Darwin gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November.

Should I visit Darwin or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Darwin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

In July, Darwin is generally a little warmer than Koh Taoin January. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Darwin. In the winter, Darwin often gets more sunshine than Koh Taoin January. Darwin gets 312 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.

Darwin usually gets less rain in July than Koh Taoin January. Darwin gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Darwin or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Darwin and Koh Tao. Many visitors come to Darwin in the spring for the beaches. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Darwin is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (85°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Darwin gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Darwin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Taoin April. Darwin gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Darwin