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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Cairns?

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 Cairns. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tarutao and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Cairns?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cairns. Although Koh Tarutao and Cairns are popular destinations, Cairns has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cairns is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Cairns is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also well known for the Great Barrier Reef. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cairns is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Cairns specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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 Cairns? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Cairns has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

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 Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

The nightlife in Cairns is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Cairns to choose from. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

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 Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns 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 Cairns. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao and Cairns both offer amazing 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 Cairns. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Is Koh Tarutao or Cairns Better for Hiking?

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

Cairns is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

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 Cairns?

Cairns 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 Cairns. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

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 Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cairns is very family-friendly. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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 Cairns Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Cairns both superb 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 Cairns frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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

Cairns is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Cairns, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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

Cairns 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.

Cairns has some public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

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 Cairns a more walkable city?

Koh Tarutao and Cairns are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

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

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Cairns?

In either Koh Tarutao or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Koh Tarutao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventure-filled city of Cairns. 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 Cairns?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Cairns. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city 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 Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical city of Cairns. 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 Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the undiscovered destination of Koh Tarutao. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Cairns. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Cairns, 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 Cairns 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 Cairns Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Cairns?

Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Cairns for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Cairns in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns and Koh Tarutao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairns in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cairnsin April. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Cairns in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Koh Tarutao is generally a little warmer than Cairnsin July. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Cairns. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Cairns in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.

Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Koh Tarutao