A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Melbourne for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne. 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. The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Melbourne travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Melbourne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Melbourne. Although Koh Tarutao and Melbourne are both popular with visitors, Melbourne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Melbourne is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Melbourne is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Melbourne is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Melbourne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Resorts?

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

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. 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.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is very popular for the beach. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Tarutao. 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.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Is Koh Tarutao or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Melbourne?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne More Beautiful?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good island for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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

Koh Tarutao and Melbourne are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Koh Tarutao or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Melbourne can get you to most places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne a more walkable city?

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

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Melbourne?

In either Koh Tarutao or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne 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 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a friendly city where you can fill many days. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find around the undiscovered 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.

Melbourne is a progressive big city where you can fill many days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city 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 Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the remote 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.

Melbourne is a livable city where you can fill many days. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Melbourne?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Melbourne. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally a little warmer than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne 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. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 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.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Melbourne in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Melbournein July. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Melbourne in the Spring?

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

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 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.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Koh Tarutao