A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Fiordland National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park, 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.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Koh Chang and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Chang. Although Koh Chang and Fiordland National Park are both popular with visitors, Koh Chang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Chang is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fiordland National Park is known for its hiking. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Koh Chang is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. It is also home to White Sand Beach.

How is Koh Chang different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Koh Chang is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Chang. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Chang is very good for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is very good for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Koh Chang. 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Fiordland National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Fiordland National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

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 Fiordland National Park?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Koh Chang is a good destination for shopping. 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is an amazing family-friendly national park to visit. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Koh Chang and Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

Is Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Chang is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good 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 limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Koh Chang and Fiordland National Park are decent 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.

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park?

Koh Chang and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fiordland National Park than Koh Chang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

Families should spend more time in Koh Chang than Fiordland National Park. 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 Fiordland National Park. 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 Koh Chang than Fiordland National Park 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 Chang.

One day in Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the tranquil island of Koh Chang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the national park of Fiordland National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Fiordland National Park?

Koh Chang is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Fiordland National Park. 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 national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find around the iconic national park of Fiordland National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

A week in Koh Chang or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Fiordland National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.

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