A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Gold Coast for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Koh Chang or Gold Coast?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Gold Coast, 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 scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a fun-filled, glamourous, and vibrant coastline. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Koh Chang and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Gold Coast?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gold Coast than Koh Chang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gold Coast is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Chang is more popular for its impressive beauty. Gold Coast is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Also, Gold Coast is famous for the long sandy beaches. Koh Chang is well known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast can be an interesting and educational experience. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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 Gold Coast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

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 Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

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

Gold Coast is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

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 Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

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

Gold Coast offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

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 Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

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 Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Chang and Gold Coast have fantastic 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.

Gold Coast is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

Is Koh Chang or Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

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 Gold Coast?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

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 Gold Coast Better for Families?

Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast is an amazing family-friendly coastline to visit. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

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 Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Koh Chang and Gold Coast are both fantastic 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.

Gold Coast is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

Is Koh Chang or Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

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 Gold Coast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gold Coast is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Gold Coast. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

You'll find some public transit in Koh Chang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Is Koh Chang or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Gold Coast is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Gold Coast?

Both Koh Chang and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Koh Chang or Gold Coast?

With food and nightlife around the idyllic island of Koh Chang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastline of Gold Coast. 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 Gold Coast?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Chang, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the colorful destination of Gold Coast. 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 coastline offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Gold Coast?

Koh Chang, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

A week in Koh Chang or Gold Coast?

Koh Chang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast, 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Koh Chang is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 28°C (82°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin January. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Gold Coast. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Koh Chang is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin April. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Gold Coast in the Winter?

Both Gold Coast and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

In the winter, Koh Chang is much warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Chang in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Koh Chang during the spring 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, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Koh Chang is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 29°C (84°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coastin October. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast 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 April than Gold Coastin October. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Koh Chang