A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Milford Sound vs. Railay Beach for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Milford Sound or Railay 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 Milford Sound and Railay 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.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. It's also known for skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a dramatic, spectacular, and fun-filled beach area. Railay Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Railay Beach travel costs.

Milford Sound and Railay Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milford Sound or Railay Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Railay Beach than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Railay Beach is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing and hiking. Railay Beach is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing. Also, Railay Beach is famous for Phra Nang Cave. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Milford Sound different from Railay Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Milford Sound or Railay Beach Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Railay Beach is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. 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.

Railay Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milford Sound or Railay Beach?

Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach. This is an adventure sport destination that is popular for rock climbing and its scenic beauty. Therefore, there are no real museums or temples in the area.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Milford Sound or Railay Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Railay Beach is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Railay Beach is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a number of tourist oriented restaurants. Many are affiliated with hotels and resorts and serve the standard Thai options along with pizza and burgers.

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 Railay Beach Better for Nightlife?

Railay Beach is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Railay Beach. It's a secluded area with a decent number of laid back bars that are usually associated with hotels or resorts. There's also a young crowd, including backpackers, who come for the beautiful setting and great rock climbing. This population insures that there's always something going on at night.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Milford Sound or Railay Beach Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Railay Beach to choose from. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Milford Sound or Railay Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Railay Beach is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Railay Beach. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Milford Sound or Railay Beach Better for Beaches?

Railay Beach is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Railay Beach for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs. There are three areas: Railay Beach West is scenic with its surrounding cliffs and popular resorts. This is the place to swim or watch the sunset. Railay Beach East is most popular for its rock climbing. You should also check out Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Milford Sound or Railay Beach Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Railay Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. 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.

Railay Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milford Sound or Railay Beach?

Railay Beach is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Railay Beach has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The Walking Street has shops that sell bathing suits or anything you may have forgotten.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Milford Sound or Railay Beach More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of first-rate scenery and beauty in both Milford Sound and Railay Beach.

Milford Sound is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

The famous beauty of Railay Beach is one of the main draws. The dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches make this a stunning place to visit.

Is Milford Sound or Railay Beach Better for Families?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Railay Beach is a family-friendly fiord. This is a favorite beach area for many visitors to Thailand. It's only accessible by water and it offers adventure sports and calm waters that are nice for kids.

Is Milford Sound or Railay Beach Better for Couples?

Milford Sound and Railay Beach both high quality 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 Railay Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rock climbing is a favorite activity here, and couples who have an adventurous spirit will enjoy this dramatic location.

Is Milford Sound or Railay Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Railay Beach is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Railay Beach. There's no shortage of affordable accommodation that attracts budget travelers and backpackers. The area's world class rock climbing also appeals to the young and adventurous crowd.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Milford Sound and Railay Beach.

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 Railay Beach. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.

Is Milford Sound or Railay Beach a more walkable city?

Railay Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Railay Beach. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.

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 Railay Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Railay Beach or Milford Sound?

How long in Milford Sound or Railay Beach?

It's fun to spend time in either Milford Sound or Railay Beach. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Milford Sound due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-6 days is a good amount of time for Milford Sound, and 2-4 days is enough time in Railay Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach.

One day in Milford Sound or Railay Beach?

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this breathtaking fiord 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the dramatic destination of Railay Beach. 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 Railay Beach?

Milford Sound is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Railay Beach. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Railay Beach?

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this iconic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled destination of Railay Beach. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Milford Sound or Railay Beach?

Milford Sound 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful beach area of Railay Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Milford Sound and Railay Beach, we can see that Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound is in Pacific and Railay Beach is in Asia, 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 Milford Sound Expensive? and Is Railay Beach Expensive?.