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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Torquay?

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 Torquay can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a idyllic, small, and local island. Many visitors also come to Koh Lipe because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Torquay

Torquay is a hip, thriving, and outdoorsy surf town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Torquay is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Torquay travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less charming


Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Torquay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Torquay. Although Koh Lipe and Torquay are popular destinations, Torquay has more sights and attractions for tourists. Torquay is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Koh Lipe attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Torquay is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. It is also well known for Bells Beach. Koh Lipe is famous for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Lipe
Torquay

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

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.

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 Torquay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

Both Koh Lipe and Torquay offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Koh Lipe offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Torquay has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Lipe or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

Torquay is very good for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

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 Torquay Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

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

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.

Torquay is not a resort destination.


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

Koh Lipe
Torquay

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

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.

Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

Koh Lipe and Torquay 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 Torquay are among the best in the world. 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 Lipe or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

You'll find excellent hiking in both Koh Lipe and Torquay.

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 Torquay for the hiking trails. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Torquay?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

Torquay is very good for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Torquay is a great destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

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 Torquay More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

Koh Lipe is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Lipe because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Is Koh Lipe or Torquay Better for Families?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

Koh Lipe 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 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.

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 Lipe or Torquay Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

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

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.

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 Lipe or Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

Koh Lipe and Torquay are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lipe is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Torquay. 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 Lipe or Torquay Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

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

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 Torquay a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe
Torquay

Koh Lipe and Torquay both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Torquay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lipe and Torquay. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe than in Torquay. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 2-3 days is enough time in Torquay.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Lipe than Torquay. 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 Torquay 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 Torquay.


  • How many days in Koh Lipe or Torquay? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koh Lipe 3-7 
    Torquay 2-3

One day in Koh Lipe or Torquay?

In Koh Lipe, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The surf town of Torquay offers food and shopping. 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 Torquay?

In Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Torquay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this surf town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Torquay, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Koh Lipe or Torquay?

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Torquay is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Koh Lipe or Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. In Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Torquay is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This surf 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Torquay or Koh Lipe?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lipe is $120, while the average daily cost in Torquay is $106. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koh Lipe and Torquay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lipe $50
    Torquay $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lipe $100
    Torquay $78
Compare Hotels in Koh Lipe and Torquay

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lipe or Torquay? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Koh Lipe


Hotels in Torquay


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Lipe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Lipe $21
    Torquay $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Lipe

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Lipe:

  • Private Transfer Pak Bara Pier to Hatyai Airport by Van: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lipe or Torquay?

Prices for flights to both Torquay and Koh Lipe change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Lipe $52
    Torquay $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lipe $27
    Torquay $11

Tours and Activities in Koh Lipe

Here are a few actual costs in Koh Lipe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) 1 day Experience: $127
  • Experience the Koh Lipe Backyard including 5 Mysterious Islands: $25
  • Experience the Koh Lipe Frontier in the Eastern Adang Archipelago: $29
  • Full-Day Koh Lipe 7 Islands Snorkeling Experience with Lunch: $27
  • Koh Lipe Beginner Scuba Diving Half Day Tour with Lunch: $131
  • Private Experience with Fishing, Barbeque, Sashimi and Snorkeling: $78

Tours and Activities in Torquay

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Torquay.

  • Sunset Twilight Cruise in Hervey Bay: $37
  • Twilight Bay Cruise in Hervey Bay: $37
  • SUMMER K'gari (Fraser Island) Boom-net & Sightseeing Cruise: $40
  • Experience History onboard The Mary Valley Rattler: $46
  • Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns: $59
  • Morning Farm Experience near Gympie & Noosa: $60
  • Hervey Bay Sunset Cruise: $64
  • Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure: $74
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience: $99
  • Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $104
  • Enjoy a VIP Booth Shared Experience From Gympie: $106
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay: $108

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lipe $9.42
    Torquay $7.48


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Torquay, we can see that Koh Lipe is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Koh Lipe is in Asia and Torquay is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Torquay Expensive?.



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

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

Both Torquay and Koh Lipe during the summer 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, many travelers come to Torquay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Torquay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lipe in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Torquay averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

Torquay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in July than Torquayin January. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Koh Lipe 27°C (81°F) 
    Torquay 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Torquay in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Torquayin April. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Koh Lipe 27°C (81°F) 
    Torquay 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Torquay in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Torquay. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Torquay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Koh Lipe is much warmer than Torquay in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in January than Torquayin July. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Koh Lipe 27°C (80°F) 
    Torquay 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Torquay because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Koh Lipe is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lipe in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Torquay averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In April, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Torquayin October. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Lipe is December to April. The rainy season in Koh Lipe is May to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Koh Lipe 29°C (85°F) 
    Torquay 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Torquay and Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe Torquay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)


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