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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo, 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 tranquil, scenic, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of Koh Chang is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Koh Chang and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Chang than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Chang is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Koh Chang is well known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. Also, Koh Chang is famous for White Sand Beach. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Koh Chang different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Chang is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Chang is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Chang area. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a great destination for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a island with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

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 Lake Tekapo?

Koh Chang is a island with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Koh Chang has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. 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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Koh Chang is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Chang is one of the main draws. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is terrific for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Chang is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Koh Chang is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

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

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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 Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Chang than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

Families should spend more time in Koh Chang than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene island of Koh Chang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the town of Lake Tekapo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lake Tekapo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Koh Chang. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the remote destination of Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic island of Koh Chang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the basic town of Lake Tekapo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Koh Chang. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lake Tekapo 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, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

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