A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Arrowtown for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown?

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 Arrowtown. 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 remote, beautiful, and undiscovered island. Koh Tarutao is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a charming, quaint, and quirky town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Arrowtown travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arrowtown than Koh Tarutao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arrowtown is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Koh Tarutao is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Arrowtown is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. Also, Arrowtown is famous for the Chinese Settlement. Koh Tarutao is well known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Koh Tarutao is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Koh Tarutao is not a skiing destination.

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

Arrowtown is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Arrowtown. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. 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.

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

Arrowtown is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Arrowtown has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

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 Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront 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 Arrowtown Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

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.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tarutao is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Tarutao does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Arrowtown. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Koh Tarutao does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

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

Arrowtown is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

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 Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Arrowtown. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

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 Arrowtown More Beautiful?

Koh Tarutao is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Tarutao is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

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 Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Arrowtown both high quality destinations for a couple.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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

Arrowtown 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.

Arrowtown has some public transit options. There are public buses throughout the region.

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 Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Arrowtown is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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 Arrowtown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Tarutao than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown?

You'll find around the island of Koh Tarutao. 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.

Arrowtown is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the hiking. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown?

You'll find around the remote destination of Koh Tarutao. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the secluded island of Koh Tarutao. 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.

Because Arrowtown is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Arrowtown?

Koh Tarutao 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.

Since Arrowtown is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Arrowtown, we can see that Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao is in Asia and Arrowtown 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 Tarutao Expensive? and Is Arrowtown Expensive?.