A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Kuala Lumpur for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur, 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Chang and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur. Although Koh Chang and Kuala Lumpur are both popular with visitors, Kuala Lumpur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Chang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Koh Chang is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Koh Chang different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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 Kuala Lumpur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kuala Lumpur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

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

Kuala Lumpur has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Koh Chang has hiking trails if you want to get outside. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very kid-friendly island. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Is Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang and Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a great island to visit for backpackers. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Is Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Chang is not popular with students.

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Koh Chang is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular 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.

Kuala Lumpur has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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 Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

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

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Kuala Lumpur has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kuala Lumpur than Koh Chang. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Chang than Kuala Lumpur. 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 Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur?

In Koh Chang, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this idyllic island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur?

Koh Chang is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur?

In Koh Chang, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this tranquil destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur?

Koh Chang is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Chang and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Koh Chang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kuala Lumpur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur?

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 Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Kuala Lumpur. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Koh Chang during the autumn 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 Kuala Lumpur year-round.

November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Kuala Lumpur 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 around the same amount of rain in October as Kuala Lumpur. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Chang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

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

November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Chang is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 26°C (79°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

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

June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Chang usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Koh Chang