A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Bali for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Koh Chang or Bali?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Bali, 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 idyllic, serene, and tranquil island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Bali

Bali is a tropical, lush, and frequented island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Koh Chang and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Bali?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bali. Although Koh Chang and Bali are popular destinations, Bali has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bali is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Koh Chang attracts visitors for its museums. Bali is more touristy than Koh Chang and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also well known for Pura Lempuyang. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Chang is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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 Bali Better for Nightlife?

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

Bali is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Bali Better for Resorts?

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

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

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 Koh Chang or Bali Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

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 Koh Chang or Bali Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Chang and Bali have terrific beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Koh Chang are among the best in the world. 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.

Bali is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Is Koh Chang or Bali Better for Hiking?

Bali is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

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 Bali?

Bali 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 Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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 Bali Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Bali 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.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Is Koh Chang or Bali Better for Couples?

Koh Chang and Bali are both terrific to visit as a couple.

Koh Chang has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Bali is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

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

Bali is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Koh Chang is a great island to visit for backpackers. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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

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

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 Bali, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Koh Chang or Bali a more walkable city?

Koh Chang and Bali 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.

Bali is generally not very walkable. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bali or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Bali?

Both Koh Chang and Bali have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Koh Chang. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 5-7 days is enough time in Bali.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Chang or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Chang. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Bali. 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.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Bali?

Koh Chang is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the spiritual destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Chang. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the frequented island of Bali. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Koh Chang or Bali?

The serene island of Koh Chang offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Bali 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 Bali, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

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

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Bali in the Summer?

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

Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in July than Bali. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. In the summer, Koh Chang often gets less sunshine than Bali. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Bali in the Autumn?

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

The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February. The rainy season in Koh Chang is June to October. The rainy season in Bali is October to March. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In October, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Bali. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Bali. Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Bali during autumn. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Koh Chang or Bali in the Winter?

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

November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Bali. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the winter, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Bali. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Bali in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Bali in the Spring?

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

Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. April to September in Bali is the dry season. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Bali. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Bali during spring. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Typical Weather for Bali and Koh Chang