A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Milford Sound vs. Koh Tao for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Milford Sound or Koh Tao?

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 Milford Sound and Koh Tao. 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.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a mellow, beautiful, and tropical island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Milford Sound and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milford Sound or Koh Tao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Milford Sound and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Koh Tao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Tao is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing and hiking. Koh Tao is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also home to Mango Bay Viewpoint. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Milford Sound different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Koh Tao is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Koh Tao is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milford Sound or Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Tao. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Milford Sound or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Koh Tao has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Koh Tao has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Tao to choose from. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Tao. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Koh Tao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Milford Sound draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Koh Tao is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Is the Shopping Better in Milford Sound or Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Koh Tao has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Milford Sound is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Milford Sound is very family-friendly. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Milford Sound and Koh Tao both great destinations for a couple.

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Couples visit Koh Tao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Tao, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Milford Sound and Koh Tao.

Public transit is mostly limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Koh Tao is a very walkable destination. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

Milford Sound is not a walkable fiord. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Milford Sound?

How long in Milford Sound or Koh Tao?

Both Milford Sound and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Milford Sound. Usually, 2-6 days is a good amount of time for Milford Sound, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Milford Sound 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 Koh Tao.

One day in Milford Sound or Koh Tao?

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This fiord offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Koh Tao. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Milford Sound or Koh Tao?

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Milford Sound or Koh Tao?

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Koh Tao. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Milford Sound or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Tao. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Milford Sound or Koh Tao?

Koh Tao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Milford Sound and Koh Tao, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.