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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Nelson?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Nelson, 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 here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nelson

Nelson is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Koh Chang and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Nelson?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nelson. Although Koh Chang and Nelson are both popular with visitors, Nelson has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nelson is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping, while Koh Chang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Nelson is more touristy than Koh Chang and is popular for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. It is also home to Abel Tasman National Park. Koh Chang is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nelson is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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 Nelson? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nelson 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 Nelson. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

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 Nelson Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Nelson 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.

Nelson has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

Is Koh Chang or Nelson Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Nelson is not a resort destination.

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.

Nelson is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is a moderate island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nelson 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.

Nelson is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Nelson Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Chang and Nelson have first-rate 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.

Nelson is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

Is Koh Chang or Nelson Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Nelson draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

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 Nelson?

Nelson 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 Nelson. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

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 Nelson Better for Families?

Nelson 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.

Nelson is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

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 Nelson Better for Couples?

Koh Chang and Nelson are both first-rate 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.

Nelson is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

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

Nelson 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 Nelson. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

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

Koh Chang is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Nelson is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Koh Chang has a few 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Koh Chang or Nelson a more walkable city?

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

Nelson is very walkable. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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 Nelson Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Nelson?

In either Koh Chang or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Nelson has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nelson than Koh Chang. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nelson 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 Nelson.

One day in Koh Chang or Nelson?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Chang. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nelson. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Nelson?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Nelson. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Nelson?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the natural city of Nelson. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Koh Chang or Nelson?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene destination of Koh Chang. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nelson is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Luxury Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand.

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