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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Torquay?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Torquay, 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 scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Torquay

Torquay is a trendy, casual, and laid back surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Koh Chang and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Torquay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Torquay. Although Koh Chang and Torquay are popular destinations, Torquay has more sights and attractions for tourists. Torquay is very popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Koh Chang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. It is also well known for Bells Beach.

How is Koh Chang different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Torquay is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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 Torquay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Koh Chang and Torquay offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Torquay. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Koh Chang or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Torquay have nice 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.

Torquay has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Koh Chang or Torquay Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Torquay is not a resort destination.

Koh Chang is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Torquay is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Chang and Torquay 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.

Torquay is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Is Koh Chang or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Torquay 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 Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

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 Torquay Better for Families?

Koh Chang is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Chang is very family-friendly. 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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Koh Chang or Torquay Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for couples.

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.

Torquay is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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

Koh Chang is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

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

Torquay is a good island to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Koh Chang and Torquay.

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 Torquay, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Koh Chang or Torquay a more walkable city?

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

Torquay is very walkable. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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 Torquay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Torquay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Chang and Torquay. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Chang than in Torquay. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 2-3 days is enough time in Torquay.

Families should spend more time in Koh Chang than Torquay. 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 Torquay. 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 Torquay 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 Torquay?

In Koh Chang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the surf town of Torquay. 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 Torquay?

In Koh Chang, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 laid back destination of Torquay. 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 surf town has to offer. This surf town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Torquay?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Chang has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the casual surf town of Torquay. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Koh Chang. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Torquay 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

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

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

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In the summer, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Torquay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Torquay averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

Torquay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Torquayin January. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Torquay. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koh Chang is generally a little warmer than Torquayin April. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Torquayin April. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Torquay in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Torquay in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Torquayin July. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay and Koh Chang during the spring 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, most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Koh Chang is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Torquay averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Torquayin October. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Koh Chang