A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Fraser Island for Beaches, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koh Chang or Fraser Island?

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

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

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a stunning, serene, and breathtaking island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Koh Chang and Fraser Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Fraser Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Chang. Although Koh Chang and Fraser Island are popular destinations, Koh Chang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Chang is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Fraser Island attracts visitors for its hiking. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. It is also well known for White Sand Beach. Fraser Island is famous for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Koh Chang different from Fraser Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Neither Koh Chang or Fraser Island offer quality 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.

Fraser Island offers a few options for museum-goers. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.

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

Koh Chang is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

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.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Koh Chang or Fraser Island Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Koh Chang or Fraser Island Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Chang to choose from. 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.

Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Fraser Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find reasonable snorkeling or scuba diving in both Koh Chang and Fraser Island.

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.

Fraser Island has a few snorkeling spots. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Is Koh Chang or Fraser Island Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Chang and Fraser Island have world-class 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.

Fraser Island is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Is Koh Chang or Fraser Island Better for Hiking?

Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

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 Fraser Island?

Koh Chang is a moderate island for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Chang or Fraser Island Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Fraser Island are both great 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.

Fraser Island is a very kid-friendly island. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

Is Koh Chang or Fraser Island Better for Couples?

Koh Chang and Fraser Island are both world-class 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.

Fraser Island is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

Is Koh Chang or Fraser Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang and Fraser Island are both great 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.

Fraser Island is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

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

Koh Chang is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

Koh Chang has a few 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 quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Koh Chang or Fraser Island a more walkable city?

Koh Chang and Fraser Island 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.

Fraser Island is generally not very walkable. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

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

Should I spend more time in Fraser Island or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Fraser Island?

In either Koh Chang or Fraser Island, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Koh Chang has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Koh Chang than Fraser Island. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Koh Chang than Fraser Island. 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 Fraser Island. 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 Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene 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 around the island of Fraser Island. 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 Fraser Island?

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 around the serene destination of Fraser Island. 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 Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene 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 around the serene island of Fraser Island. 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 great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Koh Chang or Fraser Island?

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.

Fraser Island 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Fraser Island?

Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Fraser Island. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Fraser Island in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Fraser Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Fraser Island. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in July than Fraser Islandin January. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Fraser Island in the Autumn?

Both Fraser Island 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. Also, most visitors come to Fraser Island for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Koh Chang is generally a little warmer than Fraser Islandin April. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In October, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin April. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February. The rainy season in Koh Chang is June to October.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Fraser Island in the Winter?

Both Fraser Island 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Fraser Island because of the cuisine.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Fraser Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Fraser Islandin July. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Fraser Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Fraser Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year.

In the spring, Koh Chang is a little warmer than Fraser Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin October. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Koh Chang