A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Te Anau vs. Railay Beach for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Te Anau or Railay Beach?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Te Anau and Railay Beach 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.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a pristine, breathtaking, and stunning town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty in Te Anau as well. It's also known for food and hiking. See Te Anau 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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Railay Beach travel costs.

Te Anau and Railay Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Te Anau or Railay Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Railay Beach. Although Te Anau and Railay Beach are popular destinations, Railay Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Railay Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Te Anau attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and small town charm. Te Anau is famous for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Railay Beach is famous for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing. It is also well known for Phra Nang Cave.

How is Te Anau different from Railay Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Te Anau or Railay Beach?

Te Anau is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its museums and history.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

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.

Is the Food Better in Te Anau or Railay Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Te Anau is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Te Anau makes for a great culinary experience. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Railay Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Te Anau or Railay Beach Better for Nightlife?

Railay Beach is a beach area with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

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.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Te Anau or Railay Beach Better for Resorts?

Railay Beach is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Te Anau is not a resort destination.

In Railay Beach, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Is Te Anau or Railay Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Railay Beach is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Railay Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Te Anau or Railay Beach Better for Beaches?

Railay Beach is a very popular place for the beach. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Railay Beach attract visitors from all over. 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.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Te Anau or Railay Beach Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Te Anau specifically for its hiking. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

Railay Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Te Anau or Railay Beach?

Shoppers can find a variety of reasonable stores in both Te Anau and Railay Beach.

If you're looking to go shopping, Te Anau has some nice offerings. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

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.

Is Te Anau or Railay Beach More Beautiful?

Te Anau and Railay Beach are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.

Te Anau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.

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 Te Anau or Railay Beach Better for Families?

Te Anau is an unbeatable 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.

Te Anau is one of the most popular family destinations. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

Railay Beach is a family-friendly town. 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 Te Anau or Railay Beach Better for Couples?

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Te Anau has plenty to offer. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

Railay Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rock climbing is a favorite activity here, and couples who have an adventurous spirit will enjoy this dramatic location.

Is Te Anau or Railay Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Te Anau and Railay Beach are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Te Anau. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

Railay Beach is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Railay Beach is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Railay Beach. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Te Anau or Railay Beach a more walkable city?

Railay Beach is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Te Anau Worth Visiting? and Is Railay Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Railay Beach or Te Anau?

How long in Te Anau or Railay Beach?

It's fun to spend time in either Te Anau or Railay Beach. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Railay Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Te Anau, and 2-4 days is enough time in Railay Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Railay Beach than Te Anau 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 Te Anau or Railay Beach?

Te Anau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Railay Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Te Anau or Railay Beach?

Te Anau 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.

In Railay Beach, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Railay Beach has to offer.

Five days in Te Anau or Railay Beach?

Te Anau is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Railay Beach is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

A week in Te Anau or Railay Beach?

Te Anau 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Railay Beach. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Railay Beach. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to 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 Te Anau and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Te Anau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Te Anau is in Pacific and Railay Beach 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 Te Anau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Te Anau 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 Railay Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Railay Beach than you might in Te Anau.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Te Anau Expensive? and Is Railay Beach Expensive?.