A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Katoomba for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Chang or Katoomba?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Katoomba, 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 in Koh Chang as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a natural, relaxing, and breathtaking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Katoomba travel costs.

Koh Chang and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Katoomba?

Both Katoomba and Koh Chang have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Koh Chang is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Katoomba is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Katoomba is more touristy than Koh Chang and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Koh Chang is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Katoomba is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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 Katoomba? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Koh Chang and Katoomba offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Katoomba. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Koh Chang or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Katoomba have good vibes after the sun sets.

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.

Katoomba has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Koh Chang or Katoomba Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Katoomba 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.

Katoomba is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Katoomba Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a moderate island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Katoomba Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Chang offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Katoomba draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

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 Katoomba?

Katoomba is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

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 Katoomba More Beautiful?

Koh Chang and Katoomba both are comparable with their world-class scenery and beauty.

Koh Chang is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

The famous beauty of Katoomba is one of the main draws. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Is Koh Chang or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba 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.

Katoomba is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Koh Chang is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

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

Koh Chang and Katoomba 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.

Katoomba is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Koh Chang and Katoomba.

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 Katoomba, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Koh Chang or Katoomba a more walkable city?

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

Katoomba is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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 Katoomba Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Chang or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Chang due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Chang than Katoomba. 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

One day in Koh Chang or Katoomba?

The beautiful island of Koh Chang offers food and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Katoomba is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Katoomba?

Koh Chang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Katoomba?

Koh Chang is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Chang, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Katoomba?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Katoomba 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.

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

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

Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

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

Koh Chang is a little warmer than Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In the summer, Koh Chang often gets less sunshine than Katoombain January. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Katoomba. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba 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 Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Koh Chang is much warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Chang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

Koh Chang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katoomba during autumn. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In October, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 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 Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba 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 Katoomba because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 26°C (79°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the winter, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Katoombain July. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Katoombain July. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Katoomba in the Spring?

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

Koh Chang is much warmer than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katoomba during spring. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Koh Chang