A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Koh Chang for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Dubai or Koh Chang?

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 Dubai and Koh Chang can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Koh Chang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Koh Chang?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dubai than Koh Chang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dubai is better known for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Chang is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dubai is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa. Koh Chang is well known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Koh Chang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Koh Chang is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Koh Chang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Koh Chang?

Dubai is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Koh Chang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Dubai. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is very popular for nightlife. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Dubai is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Koh Chang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Music?

Dubai is very popular for live music. However, Koh Chang is not a live music destination.

Dubai is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Koh Chang is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Resorts?

Dubai is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Dubai offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

In Koh Chang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

Dubai has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Koh Chang has a few snorkeling spots. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Chang is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is adequate for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Koh Chang?

Dubai is very popular for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Dubai. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Koh Chang.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Koh Chang is a very family-friendly place to visit. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Chang has plenty to offer. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Koh Chang. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang Better for Students?

Dubai is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Chang is not popular with students.

Dubai is a great destination for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Koh Chang is not popular with students.

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

Dubai and Koh Chang both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Koh Chang has a few public transit options. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

Is Dubai or Koh Chang a more walkable city?

Dubai and Koh Chang are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Dubai is generally not a very walkable city. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Chang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Chang or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Koh Chang?

In either Dubai or Koh Chang, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than Koh Chang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Chang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubai than Koh Chang 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 Dubai.

One day in Dubai or Koh Chang?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Koh Chang, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this idyllic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Koh Chang?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Koh Chang?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Koh Chang is a fun place to experience. In Koh Chang, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Koh Chang?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and nightlife around the tranquil destination of Koh Chang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, and The Best Eco Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Koh Chang, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Koh Chang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Koh Chang 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 Chang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Chang 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Koh Chang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Koh Chang Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Dubai or Koh Chang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Koh Chang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Koh Chang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Koh Chang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Koh Chang averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Koh Chang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Koh Chang. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year.

Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Koh Chang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Chang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Koh Chang in the Winter?

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

The rainy season in Dubai is January to March. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Dubai is cooler than Koh Chang in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Koh Chang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Koh Chang in the Spring?

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

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Koh Chang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Dubai is around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Chang averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Chang and Dubai