A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Chang vs. Koh Tao for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Chang or Koh Tao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Koh Tao, 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a popular, laid back, and mellow island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Koh Chang and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Koh Tao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Koh Chang and Koh Tao are popular destinations, Koh Tao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Tao is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also well known for Mango Bay Viewpoint. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Neither Koh Chang or Koh Tao 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.

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

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

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

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 Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

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

Koh Tao has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

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 Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, superb resorts can be found in both Koh Chang and Koh Tao.

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 Koh Tao, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

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

Koh Tao is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Koh Tao specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

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 Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Chang and Koh Tao have amazing 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.

Koh Tao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Is Koh Chang or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

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 Koh Tao?

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

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 Koh Tao Better for Families?

Koh Chang is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Chang is very family-friendly. 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.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Koh Chang or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for couples.

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.

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

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

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

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 Koh Tao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Chang is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Koh Chang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Koh Chang or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Koh Tao is very walkable. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

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 Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Koh Tao?

Both Koh Chang and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Koh Chang. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao.

One day in Koh Chang or Koh Tao?

In Koh Chang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Koh Tao. 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 Koh Tao?

In Koh Chang, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the tropical destination of Koh Tao. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Koh Tao?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Chang has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back island of Koh Tao. 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 relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Koh Chang or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Koh Chang. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, and The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Chang and Koh Tao, we can see that Koh Chang is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Koh Chang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Chang than you might in Koh Tao.

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 Koh Tao Expensive?.

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Koh Chang is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Koh Tao. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season. October and November in Koh Tao is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Koh Tao. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

In October, Koh Chang is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June. In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

Koh Chang is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Koh Tao in the Spring?

Both Koh Tao 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Koh Chang is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Koh Chang