A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Aspiring National Park vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a undeveloped, remote, and rugged national park. The famous beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a beautiful, backpacker-friendly, and tropical party island. The beauty of Koh Pha Ngan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Mount Aspiring National Park and Koh Pha Ngan are popular destinations, Koh Pha Ngan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Pha Ngan is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is known for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. It is also well known for the Full Moon Parties. Mount Aspiring National Park is famous for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Mount Aspiring National Park different from Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Pha Ngan and Mount Aspiring National Park . Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Pha Ngan is a moderate party island for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Koh Pha Ngan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come of the natural beauty, outdoor sports, and hardcore parties more than the sights and museums. Kuan Yin Temple is worth visiting, as is Wat Pho and Wat Phu Khao Noi.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Pha Ngan is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Pha Ngan. There is frequent turnover in the restaurant scene around town, but there are a few mainstay restaurants that offer consistent and reliable Thai or international cuisine. In general, the food is fresh and the typical Thai favorites are available most places. Also make sure you check out the Thong Sala Night Market, which offers unique snacks and local dishes.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is very popular for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

Koh Pha Ngan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.

Mount Aspiring National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Koh Pha Ngan makes a nice vacation spot. Much of the island caters to the backpacker crowd, but there are some luxury resorts to choose from as well. Many resorts take advantage of the beautiful nature on the island or intentionally prioritize a serene environment where you can relax by the pool.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The island has its share of dive shops and a nice underwater setting where you can see coral and a variety of marine life. The island doesn't draw the huge diving crowds like some of the other islands, but that isn't always a bad thing.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is very popular for the beach. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Pha Ngan are among the best in the world. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Many people visit Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Many visitors go to Koh Pha Ngan for the hiking trails. In its interior, the island has beautiful jungle and impressive hikes. Some of the best hikes are found in Than Sadet National Park, but come prepared because they can often be challenging. They usually end with a breathtaking viewpoint, secluded beach, or stunning waterfall though.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Pha Ngan is a moderate party island for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Pha Ngan has some nice offerings. Although shopping isn't particularly popular on the island, it does offer a unique opportunity to support individual shop owners as there are more independently owned vendors on this island than in many other areas. Head to the markets and you'll find the most independent shops to support.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park is one of the main draws. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

The beauty of Koh Pha Ngan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

For families, Koh Pha Ngan is not always the best place to visit. Most people think of Full Moon Parties and backpacker crowds when they think of this island. There are actually some quieter areas on the eastern and northern sides of the island that are good for families. The activities are best suited for older kids and include hiking, windsurfing, yoga, and shopping.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for romance. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Mount Aspiring National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Koh Pha Ngan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy partying, yoga retreats, and outdoor exploration will find something for them on this island. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as nice beaches and, of course, the wild parties.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Mount Aspiring National Park and Koh Pha Ngan are terrific destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Pha Ngan, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. This island is synonymous with backpacker vibes and full moon parties. Head to the southern side of the island around Haad Rin and Ban Tai for the highest concentration of backpacker crowds. Like much of Thailand, there is frequent turnover in hostel ownership, so most reviews that you read online will be out of date. It's best to talk to people on the road to get the most up-to-date perspective.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Mount Aspiring National Park and Koh Pha Ngan offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Pha Ngan. Your best bet for getting around the island without a private vehicle is Songthaew taxi, longtail boats, and rental mopeds.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Mount Aspiring National Park and Koh Pha Ngan both are nice when exploring on foot.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

Koh Pha Ngan is a somewhat walkable national park. It's possible, and even enjoyable, to walk from place to place around the island but allow yourself a lot of time and bring water because temperatures can be very warm.

For even more information, also check out Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

How long in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Koh Pha Ngan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Mount Aspiring National Park . In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Mount Aspiring National Park , and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Pha Ngan.

One day in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Mount Aspiring National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking national park 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.

The tropical destination of Koh Pha Ngan offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. This party island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Koh Pha Ngan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Mount Aspiring National Park, many people enjoy the that this rugged 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.

Koh Pha Ngan is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Pha Ngan has to offer.

A week in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 nightlife and food around the beautiful party island of Koh Pha Ngan. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.