A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Coffs Harbour for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Coffs Harbour can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a lively, relaxing, and fun vacation town. Coffs Harbour is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Coffs Harbour travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Koh Lipe and Coffs Harbour are both popular with visitors, Coffs Harbour has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Coffs Harbour is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Lipe is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also home to the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Koh Lipe is popular for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Coffs Harbour and Koh Lipe. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Coffs Harbour is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Coffs Harbour is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Coffs Harbour makes for a great culinary experience. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Koh Lipe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is a great destination for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Coffs Harbour know how to have a good time. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Koh Lipe and Coffs Harbour.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Lipe. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Coffs Harbour is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lipe is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its diving and snorkeling.

Koh Lipe is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe and Coffs Harbour are amazing choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Lipe is a very popular vacation destination. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

The beaches in Coffs Harbour are among the best in the world. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Koh Lipe and Coffs Harbour.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Many visitors go to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour is a great destination for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Many visitors consider this to be one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It still holds on to that undiscovered quality and the nearby national park offers excellent nature to explore.

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its beautiful coastline and nice mountain landscapes, there is plenty of beauty to explore. There are also nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries where you can immerse yourself in the natural environment.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Coffs Harbour is one of the most popular family destinations. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Lipe is very family-friendly. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is very popular for romance. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Koh Lipe is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

Couples visit Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Coffs Harbour is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Coffs Harbour. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lipe. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koh Lipe and Coffs Harbour.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Public transit is mostly limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Koh Lipe is very walkable. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable island. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Lipe Worth Visiting? and Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour?

Both Koh Lipe and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Coffs Harbour has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Coffs Harbour than Koh Lipe. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Koh Lipe 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 Coffs Harbour.

One day in Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic destination of Koh Lipe. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The vacation town of Coffs Harbour offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Coffs Harbour is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Lipe. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Coffs Harbour is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Coffs Harbour, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Lipe. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Coffs Harbour is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Coffs Harbour has to offer. This vacation town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lipe and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Coffs Harbour is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lipe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Lipe is in Asia and Coffs Harbour 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 Lipe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lipe 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 Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour than you might in Koh Lipe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Lipe Expensive? and Is Coffs Harbour Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Lipe experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Coffs Harbour. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Lipe is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in July than Coffs Harbourin January. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Koh Lipe is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lipe in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In October, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin April. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Lipe is December to April. The rainy season in Koh Lipe is May to October.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Lipe during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lipe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koh Lipe is generally much warmer than Coffs Harbourin July. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (80°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in January than Coffs Harbourin July. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

Koh Lipe is much warmer than Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin October. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Koh Lipe