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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Auckland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Auckland, 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.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a serene, tranquil, and scenic island. Koh Chang is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Auckland travel costs.

Koh Chang and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Auckland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland. Although Koh Chang and Auckland are popular destinations, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Chang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Auckland 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 Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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 Koh Chang or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland 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 Auckland. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

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 Koh Chang or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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 Koh Chang or Auckland Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Auckland is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Chang. 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.

Auckland is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Koh Chang. 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.

Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Auckland. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Is Koh Chang or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Auckland?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

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 Koh Chang or Auckland More Beautiful?

Koh Chang is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Chang is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Chang or Auckland Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Auckland are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Koh Chang is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Auckland is a very kid-friendly island. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Is Koh Chang or Auckland Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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

Koh Chang and Auckland are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Koh Chang is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

Auckland is a great island to visit for backpackers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Is Koh Chang or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Chang is not popular with students.

Auckland is a great city to visit as a student. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Koh Chang is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Koh Chang and Auckland.

Koh Chang has some 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.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Koh Chang or Auckland a more walkable city?

Koh Chang and Auckland are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Koh Chang is generally not a very walkable island. 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.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Chang and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Chang than in Auckland. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland 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 Auckland.

One day in Koh Chang or Auckland?

The beautiful island of Koh Chang offers food and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Auckland because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Auckland?

Koh Chang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Auckland because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Auckland?

Koh Chang is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Chang, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adrenaline-filled city of Auckland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Auckland?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Auckland is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Chang and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Koh Chang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Chang is in Asia and Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Koh Chang Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.

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

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

Should I visit Koh Chang or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Chang is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Auckland. Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Koh Chang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In October, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin April. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Auckland. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Koh Chang is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin October. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Koh Chang