A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Airlie Beach for Beaches, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Airlie Beach. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a secluded, remote, and beautiful island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a paradise, laid back, and slow-paced town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tarutao and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach than Koh Tarutao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Airlie Beach is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. Also, Airlie Beach is famous for the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Koh Tarutao is well known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach offer quality museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Tarutao. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Airlie Beach offers a few options for museum-goers. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Airlie Beach is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Airlie Beach is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Airlie Beach is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Airlie Beach for its luxury resorts. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Airlie Beach. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao and Airlie Beach both offer terrific beaches.

Koh Tarutao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Airlie Beach. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Is Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Airlie Beach is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Airlie Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Airlie Beach is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Airlie Beach. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Airlie Beach is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Couples visit Koh Tarutao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Is Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Airlie Beach is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Airlie Beach. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Is Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Airlie Beach is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Airlie Beach has some public transit options. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Airlie Beach is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable destination. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Tarutao Worth Visiting? and Is Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach?

Both Koh Tarutao and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Koh Tarutao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Koh Tarutao 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 Airlie Beach.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach?

In Koh Tarutao, many people enjoy the that this remote island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the slow-paced town of Airlie Beach. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach?

Koh Tarutao is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic destination of Airlie Beach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach?

You'll find around the remote destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the slow-paced town of Airlie Beach. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach?

Koh Tarutao is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Airlie Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tarutao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Airlie Beach. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.

In the summer, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Airlie Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Airlie Beach. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in July than Airlie Beachin January. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

Both Airlie Beach and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koh Tarutao is generally a little warmer than Airlie Beachin April. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin April. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

Both Airlie Beach and Koh Tarutao during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Airlie Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F)in July.

Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in January than Airlie Beachin July. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Airlie Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Airlie Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin October. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Koh Tarutao