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

Should you visit Hobart 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 Hobart 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.

Hobart

Hobart is a fascinating, quaint, and historical city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tao

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

Hobart and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hobart or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Hobart, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Hobart is more popular for its museums and shopping. Hobart is well known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Koh Tao is well 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.

How is Hobart different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hobart can be an interesting and educational experience. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Hobart and Koh Tao.

Hobart has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Dining out in Koh Tao is an experience not to be missed. 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 Hobart or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Koh Tao for the nightlife scene. 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 Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Hobart or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is great for its luxury resorts. However, Hobart 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.

Hobart is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hobart 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.

Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hobart or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is renowned for the beache. However, Hobart 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.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Hobart or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Hobart for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

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 Hobart or Koh Tao?

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

Hobart is well-known for its shopping. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

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 Hobart or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Hobart 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, Hobart is very family-friendly. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

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 Hobart or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

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

Hobart is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

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 Hobart or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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

Hobart 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 Hobart offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

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 Hobart or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Hobart and Koh Tao are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Hobart is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Koh Tao?

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

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

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

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

In Hobart, 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 Hobart 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 Hobart or Koh Tao?

Hobart 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 Hobart or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hobart. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hobart. 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 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 Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury 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 Hobart and Koh Tao, we can see that Hobart is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hobart 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 Hobart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hobart 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 Hobart Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hobart or Koh Tao?

Hobart has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Hobart 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 Hobart or Koh Tao?

Hobart 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 Hobart or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Hobart are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hobart for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Hobart is cooler than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Hobart averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. Hobart usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Hobart gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In January, Hobart usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin July. Hobart gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hobart or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Hobart during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Hobart because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

In the autumn, Hobart is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hobart in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F)in October.

In the autumn, Hobart often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Taoin October. Hobart gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hobart usually gets less rain in April than Koh Taoin October. Hobart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Hobart or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hobart and Koh Tao. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hobart this time of year. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Hobart is generally much colder than Koh Taoin January. Daily temperatures in Hobart average around 9°C (47°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. Hobart usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Hobart gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Hobart usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin January. Hobart gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Should I visit Hobart or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hobart as well as Koh Tao. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

Hobart is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Hobart averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart this time of the year. In the spring, Hobart often gets less sunshine than Koh Taoin April. Hobart gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Hobart usually gets less rain in October than Koh Taoin April. Hobart gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Hobart