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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Picton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Picton, 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Koh Chang and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Picton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Picton than Koh Chang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Picton is better known for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Koh Chang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Picton is more touristy than Koh Chang and is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. Also, Picton is famous for the Queen Charlotte Track. Koh Chang is well known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling 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 Picton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picton 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 Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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 Picton Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Koh Chang or Picton Better for Resorts?

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

Picton is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is a moderate island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Picton 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.

Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Picton Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is very popular for the beach. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

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.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Koh Chang or Picton Better for Hiking?

Picton 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 Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

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 Picton?

Picton 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 Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

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 Picton Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Picton 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.

Picton is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Koh Chang or Picton Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is very popular for couples. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

Koh Chang and Picton 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.

Picton is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Koh Chang and Picton.

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 Picton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Koh Chang or Picton a more walkable city?

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

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Chang or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Chang than Picton 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 Picton.

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

One day in Koh Chang or Picton?

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 town of Picton. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Picton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Picton?

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 food around the scenic destination of Picton. 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 Picton?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing town of Picton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Picton?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic 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.

Picton 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

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

In July, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton 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 Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In October, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 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 Picton in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Koh Chang is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Chang in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

Picton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Picton in the Spring?

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

In April, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 29°C (84°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Picton and Koh Chang