A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kaunas and Koh Pha Ngan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a cultural, active, and young city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a high energy, funky, and beautiful party island. With stunning beauty, Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Kaunas and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan than Kaunas, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Pha Ngan is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is famous for the Full Moon Parties. Kaunas is well known for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Pha Ngan is a moderate party island for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Koh Pha Ngan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come of the natural beauty, outdoor sports, and hardcore parties more than the sights and museums. Kuan Yin Temple is worth visiting, as is Wat Pho and Wat Phu Khao Noi.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Kaunas and Koh Pha Ngan.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kaunas area. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Koh Pha Ngan. There is frequent turnover in the restaurant scene around town, but there are a few mainstay restaurants that offer consistent and reliable Thai or international cuisine. In general, the food is fresh and the typical Thai favorites are available most places. Also make sure you check out the Thong Sala Night Market, which offers unique snacks and local dishes.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Koh Pha Ngan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for its resorts. However, Kaunas is not a resort destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a few great resort options. Much of the island caters to the backpacker crowd, but there are some luxury resorts to choose from as well. Many resorts take advantage of the beautiful nature on the island or intentionally prioritize a serene environment where you can relax by the pool.

Kaunas is not a resort destination.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kaunas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Koh Pha Ngan. The island has its share of dive shops and a nice underwater setting where you can see coral and a variety of marine life. The island doesn't draw the huge diving crowds like some of the other islands, but that isn't always a bad thing.

Kaunas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for the beach. However, Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Koh Pha Ngan offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.

Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas is very good for its historic old town. However, Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kaunas to see the historical old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Pha Ngan is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular spot for hiking. In its interior, the island has beautiful jungle and impressive hikes. Some of the best hikes are found in Than Sadet National Park, but come prepared because they can often be challenging. They usually end with a breathtaking viewpoint, secluded beach, or stunning waterfall though.

Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan?

Both Kaunas and Koh Pha Ngan are respectable shopping destinations.

Kaunas has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for shopping. Although shopping isn't particularly popular on the island, it does offer a unique opportunity to support individual shop owners as there are more independently owned vendors on this island than in many other areas. Head to the markets and you'll find the most independent shops to support.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Koh Pha Ngan is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors from all around. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Kaunas is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kaunas. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

For families, Koh Pha Ngan is not always the best place to visit. Most people think of Full Moon Parties and backpacker crowds when they think of this island. There are actually some quieter areas on the eastern and northern sides of the island that are good for families. The activities are best suited for older kids and include hiking, windsurfing, yoga, and shopping.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Koh Pha Ngan is a good party island for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy partying, yoga retreats, and outdoor exploration will find something for them on this island. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as nice beaches and, of course, the wild parties.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Pha Ngan is a very popular party island to visit for backpackers. This island is synonymous with backpacker vibes and full moon parties. Head to the southern side of the island around Haad Rin and Ban Tai for the highest concentration of backpacker crowds. Like much of Thailand, there is frequent turnover in hostel ownership, so most reviews that you read online will be out of date. It's best to talk to people on the road to get the most up-to-date perspective.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Students?

Kaunas is very good for students. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

Kaunas is popular with students. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kaunas is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Kaunas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Pha Ngan. Your best bet for getting around the island without a private vehicle is Songthaew taxi, longtail boats, and rental mopeds.

Is Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Kaunas and Koh Pha Ngan both are notable when exploring on foot.

Kaunas is a somewhat walkable city. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

Koh Pha Ngan is somewhat walkable. It's possible, and even enjoyable, to walk from place to place around the island but allow yourself a lot of time and bring water because temperatures can be very warm.

For even more information, also check out Is Kaunas Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Kaunas because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Kaunas 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 Pha Ngan.

One day in Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Kaunas, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this young city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Pha Ngan. 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 Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan?

Kaunas is a fun place to experience. 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.

Koh Pha Ngan is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan?

You'll find food and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Kaunas. 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 Koh Pha Ngan. 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 Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan?

Kaunas is a popular place to visit. 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 high energy destination of Koh Pha Ngan. This party island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Kaunas has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Pha Ngan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Koh Pha Ngan. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Kaunas is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kaunas in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

In October, Kaunas is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 8°C (46°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. October and November in Koh Pha Ngan is the rainy season.

Should I visit Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Kaunas can be very cold during winter. Kaunas is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the winter. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March.

Should I visit Kaunas or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Kaunas during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

In the spring, Kaunas is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kaunas in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Kaunas