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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Rockhampton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Rockhampton, 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. Koh Chang is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a natural, rural, and traditional town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rockhampton travel costs.

Koh Chang and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Rockhampton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rockhampton than Koh Chang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rockhampton is better known for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Koh Chang is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Rockhampton is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. Also, Rockhampton is famous for the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Koh Chang is well known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rockhampton is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Rockhampton can be an interesting and educational experience. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway 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 Rockhampton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

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 Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Rockhampton have notable 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.

Rockhampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Koh Chang or Rockhampton Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rockhampton is not a resort destination.

Koh Chang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Rockhampton is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Chang. 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.

Many people head to Rockhampton to enjoy the beach. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Is Koh Chang or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

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 Rockhampton?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. There are several shopping centers in town 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 Rockhampton More Beautiful?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Chang is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Chang or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Rockhampton are both very good 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.

Rockhampton is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

Is Koh Chang or Rockhampton Better for Couples?

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

Koh Chang makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Rockhampton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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

Koh Chang is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Koh Chang. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

Rockhampton is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Koh Chang or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Rockhampton is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Chang is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Rockhampton. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Koh Chang is not popular with students.

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

Koh Chang is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Koh Chang or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

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

Rockhampton is somewhat walkable. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct 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 Rockhampton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Chang or Rockhampton. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Chang due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rockhampton.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Chang than Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic 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 shopping and museums around the town of Rockhampton. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the serene 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 museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the traditional town of Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton?

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.

Rockhampton 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 Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

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

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

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

Both Rockhampton 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. Also, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Koh Chang is generally around the same temperature as Rockhamptonin January. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rockhampton. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin January. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

Both Rockhampton 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Koh Chang is a little warmer than Rockhampton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Rockhampton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Rockhampton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

In the winter, Koh Chang is much warmer than Rockhampton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Chang in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 16°C (61°F)in July.

In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Rockhamptonin July. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Rockhampton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Rockhampton. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Rockhampton for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Koh Chang is generally a little warmer than Rockhamptonin October. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 29°C (84°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Rockhamptonin October. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Koh Chang