A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Surfers Paradise for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise, 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. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a glamourous, high energy, and thrilling city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Koh Chang and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise than Koh Chang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Surfers Paradise is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Koh Chang is more popular for its impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Also, Surfers Paradise is famous for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Koh Chang is well known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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 Surfers Paradise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for nightlife. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Surfers Paradise is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Surfers Paradise offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

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.

Is Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Surfers Paradise to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

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.

Is Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Chang and Surfers Paradise have amazing 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.

Surfers Paradise is considered to be a world-class beach destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Is Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Surfers Paradise has hiking trails worth exploring. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is terrific for couples. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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

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

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 Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

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

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise?

Both Koh Chang and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Koh Chang. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and nightlife around the idyllic destination of Koh Chang. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Surfers Paradise. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find nightlife and food around the idyllic island of Koh Chang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the thrilling destination of Surfers Paradise. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Surfers Paradise?

Koh Chang is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the thrilling city of Surfers Paradise. 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 relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Surfers Paradise is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Surfers Paradise, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

Both Surfers Paradise 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, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

In July, Koh Chang is generally around the same temperature as Surfers Paradisein January. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 28°C (82°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Koh Chang is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein April. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise 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 more rain in October than Surfers Paradisein April. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 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 Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koh Chang is much warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Chang in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Surfers Paradise. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months.

In April, Koh Chang is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein October. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 29°C (84°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradisein October. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Koh Chang