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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour, 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Koh Chang and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Koh Chang and Coffs Harbour are both popular with visitors, Coffs Harbour has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Coffs Harbour is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Koh Chang is known for its impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also home to the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Koh Chang is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Coffs Harbour is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Coffs Harbour is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

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 Coffs Harbour? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

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

Coffs Harbour has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, high quality resorts can be found in both Koh Chang and Coffs Harbour.

Koh Chang is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Is Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Coffs Harbour to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Chang and Coffs Harbour have first-rate 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.

Coffs Harbour is considered to be a world-class beach destination. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Is Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

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 Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Coffs Harbour is an amazing family-friendly vacation town to visit. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

Koh Chang is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is very popular for romance. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Koh Chang is a great island for couples, as it 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 Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang and Coffs Harbour are both high quality 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.

Coffs Harbour is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

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

Koh Chang is a island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of 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.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable island. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour.

One day in Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Koh Chang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the vacation town of Coffs Harbour. 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 Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing destination of Coffs Harbour. 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 vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Chang. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing vacation town of Coffs Harbour. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation town has to offer.

A week in Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find food and nightlife around the beautiful island of Koh Chang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour, 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Chang and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Chang is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin January. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Koh Chang is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Chang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F)in April.

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbourin April. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Coffs Harbourin April. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 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 Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Coffs Harbourin July. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 26°C (79°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Coffs Harbour during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin July. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Coffs Harbour. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbourin October. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Chang usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Coffs Harbourin October. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Koh Chang