A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Noosa Heads vs. Koh Tao for Beaches, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Noosa Heads and Koh Tao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a relaxed, peaceful, and scenic coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Noosa Heads and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Noosa Heads, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Noosa Heads is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Noosa Heads is well known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Koh Tao is well known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Also, Koh Tao is famous for Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Noosa Heads different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

Noosa Heads is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Noosa Heads specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. 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.

Is the Food Better in Noosa Heads or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Noosa Heads and Koh Tao offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Noosa Heads has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Dining out in Koh Tao is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a great island for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Koh Tao has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

In Koh Tao, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Tao is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Both Noosa Heads and Koh Tao are considered to be first-rate beach destinations.

Noosa Heads is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

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.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Both Noosa Heads and Koh Tao are destinations which offer high quality hiking.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

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 Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

If you're looking to go shopping, Noosa Heads and Koh Tao both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Noosa Heads. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. 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.

Is Noosa Heads or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Noosa Heads 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, Noosa Heads is very family-friendly. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

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 Noosa Heads or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Both Noosa Heads and Koh Tao are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Noosa Heads is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Noosa Heads or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Tao is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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

Noosa Heads is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Noosa Heads offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

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 Noosa Heads or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads and Koh Tao are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable coastal town. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Noosa Heads?

How long in Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

Both Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Noosa Heads, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Tao than Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

Noosa Heads is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular island of Koh Tao. 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 Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

Noosa Heads might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Noosa Heads has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the mellow destination of Koh Tao. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island 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 Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

Noosa Heads is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular island of Koh Tao. 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 Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Noosa Heads. Since Noosa Heads is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Tao. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Noosa Heads and Koh Tao, we can see that Noosa Heads is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

Noosa Heads has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Noosa Heads 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.

When is the best time to visit Noosa Heads or Koh Tao?

Noosa Heads has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Noosa Heads are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Noosa Heads is cooler than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Noosa Heads averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. In January, Noosa Heads usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin July. Noosa Heads gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Noosa Heads during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

In the autumn, Noosa Heads is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Noosa Heads in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F)in October.

Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Noosa Heads usually gets less rain in April than Koh Taoin October. Noosa Heads gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Noosa Heads and Koh Tao. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Noosa Heads is generally much colder than Koh Taoin January. Daily temperatures in Noosa Heads average around 7°C (44°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Noosa Heads usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin January. Noosa Heads gets 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Noosa Heads as well as Koh Tao. Many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

Noosa Heads is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Noosa Heads averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

Noosa Heads usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Koh Taoin April. Noosa Heads gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Noosa Heads