A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Surfers Paradise for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a ritzy, glamourous, and high energy city. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Koh Lipe and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise than Koh Lipe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Surfers Paradise is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Koh Lipe is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular 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 Lipe is well known for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe 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 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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Surfers Paradise specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Surfers Paradise is a world class party destination. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Surfers Paradise is a perfect choice. 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.

Koh Lipe is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

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

Koh Lipe is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Koh Lipe specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Is Koh Lipe or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe and Surfers Paradise are terrific 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 Surfers Paradise are among the best in the world. 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 Lipe or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Surfers Paradise is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 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 Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lipe has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 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 Lipe or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Surfers Paradise is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Surfers Paradise is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

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

Is Koh Lipe or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Koh Lipe is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

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

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

How long in Koh Lipe or Surfers Paradise?

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

Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Koh Lipe. 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 Koh Lipe than Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Koh Lipe or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the local destination of Koh Lipe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

The city of Surfers Paradise offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the tranquil island of Koh Lipe. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise?

Koh Lipe is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Surfers Paradise is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

Koh Lipe is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surfers Paradise has to offer. This city 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lipe and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 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 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 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 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

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

In July, Koh Lipe is generally around the same temperature as Surfers Paradisein January. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Surfers Paradise 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, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In October, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 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 Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lipe in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches.

In April, Koh Lipe is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein October. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 29°C (85°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradisein October. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 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 Surfers Paradise and Koh Lipe