A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hobart vs. Railay Beach for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hobart or Railay Beach?

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 Railay Beach 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 quaint, historical, and charming city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a fun-filled, adventurous, and dramatic beach area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Hobart and Railay Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hobart or Railay Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hobart. Although Hobart and Railay Beach are popular destinations, Hobart has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hobart is very popular for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping, while Railay Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hobart is famous for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. It is also well known for Battery Point. Railay Beach is famous for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing.

How is Hobart different from Railay Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach?

Hobart is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Hobart specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Railay Beach. This is an adventure sport destination that is popular for rock climbing and its scenic beauty. Therefore, there are no real museums or temples in the area.

Is the Food Better in Hobart or Railay Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hobart is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hobart makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Railay Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a number of tourist oriented restaurants. Many are affiliated with hotels and resorts and serve the standard Thai options along with pizza and burgers.

Is Hobart or Railay Beach Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Hobart and Railay Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Hobart has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Railay Beach. It's a secluded area with a decent number of laid back bars that are usually associated with hotels or resorts. There's also a young crowd, including backpackers, who come for the beautiful setting and great rock climbing. This population insures that there's always something going on at night.

Is Hobart or Railay Beach Better for Resorts?

Railay Beach is great for its luxury resorts. However, Hobart is not a resort destination.

In Railay Beach, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Hobart is not a resort destination.

Is Hobart or Railay Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Railay Beach is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Railay Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hobart or Railay Beach Better for Beaches?

Railay Beach is great for the beache. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Railay Beach attract visitors from all over. The beaches are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs. There are three areas: Railay Beach West is scenic with its surrounding cliffs and popular resorts. This is the place to swim or watch the sunset. Railay Beach East is most popular for its rock climbing. You should also check out Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Hobart or Railay Beach Better for Hiking?

Hobart is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Railay Beach is not a hiking destination.

Hobart is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Railay Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hobart or Railay Beach?

Hobart is a well-known place for shopping. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its shopping opportunities.

Hobart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Railay Beach has some nice offerings. The Walking Street has shops that sell bathing suits or anything you may have forgotten.

Is Hobart or Railay Beach Better for Families?

Hobart is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hobart is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Railay Beach is a family-friendly city. This is a favorite beach area for many visitors to Thailand. It's only accessible by water and it offers adventure sports and calm waters that are nice for kids.

Is Hobart or Railay Beach Better for Couples?

Both Hobart and Railay Beach are superb 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.

Railay Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rock climbing is a favorite activity here, and couples who have an adventurous spirit will enjoy this dramatic location.

Is Hobart or Railay Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Railay Beach is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Railay Beach. There's no shortage of affordable accommodation that attracts budget travelers and backpackers. The area's world class rock climbing also appeals to the young and adventurous crowd.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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

Hobart is very good for its public transit. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for times when you don't have a car.

Hobart has a few public transit options. 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 mostly limited in Railay Beach. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.

Is Hobart or Railay Beach a more walkable city?

Railay Beach is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Railay Beach is a very easy beach area to get around on foot. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Hobart Worth Visiting? and Is Railay Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Railay Beach or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Railay Beach?

It's fun to spend time in either Hobart or Railay Beach. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Railay Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hobart, and 2-4 days is enough time in Railay Beach.

Families should spend more time in Hobart than Railay Beach. 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 Hobart than Railay Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hobart that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach.

One day in Hobart or Railay Beach?

In Hobart, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fascinating city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Railay Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hobart or Railay Beach?

Hobart is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Hobart. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Railay Beach. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hobart or Railay Beach?

Hobart is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the spectacular destination of Railay Beach. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hobart and Railay Beach, we can see that Hobart is more expensive. And not only is Railay Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hobart is in Pacific and Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach.

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

When is the best time to visit Hobart or Railay Beach?

Hobart has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Railay Beach experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hobart or Railay Beach in the Summer?

Both Railay Beach and Hobart during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hobart in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.

In January, Hobart is generally much colder than Railay Beachin July. Daily temperatures in Hobart average around 17°C (63°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Railay Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hobart. In the summer, Hobart often gets more sunshine than Railay Beachin July. Hobart gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 206 hours of full sun.

Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hobart usually gets less rain in January than Railay Beachin July. Hobart gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.

Should I visit Hobart or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hobart and Railay Beach. Most visitors come to Hobart for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Hobart is much colder than Railay Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hobart averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

Hobart usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Railay Beach during autumn. Hobart gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Railay Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Hobart usually receives less rain than Railay Beachin October. Hobart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.

Should I visit Hobart or Railay Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hobart as well as Railay Beach. The winter months attract visitors to Hobart because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.

In the winter, Hobart is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hobart in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. In the winter, Hobart often gets less sunshine than Railay Beachin January. Hobart gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun.

Hobart usually gets more rain in July than Railay Beachin January. Hobart gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season.

Should I visit Hobart or Railay Beach in the Spring?

Both Railay Beach and Hobart are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Hobart is generally much colder than Railay Beachin April. Daily temperatures in Hobart average around 13°C (55°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. Hobart usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during spring. Hobart gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. In October, Hobart usually receives less rain than Railay Beachin April. Hobart gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Hobart