A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Torquay vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Hiking

Should you visit Torquay 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 Torquay 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.

Torquay

Torquay is a hip, thriving, and outdoorsy surf town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a party-oriented, high energy, and funky party island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Torquay and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Torquay 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 nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Torquay attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Torquay and is popular for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. It is also well known for the Full Moon Parties. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Torquay 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 Torquay. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan?

Torquay is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Torquay is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

While most people don't head to Koh Pha Ngan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Is the Food Better in Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Torquay and Koh Pha Ngan.

Torquay has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Pha Ngan area. 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.

Is Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

Koh Pha Ngan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay is not a resort destination.

Is Torquay 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, Torquay 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.

Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Both Torquay and Koh Pha Ngan have terrific beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Torquay are among the best in the world. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Koh Pha Ngan is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Is Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Torquay and Koh Pha Ngan are both places where visitors can find excellent hiking trails.

Many visitors go to Torquay for the hiking trails. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan?

Torquay is very good for shopping. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Torquay is a great destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

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.

Is Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Torquay is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Torquay. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

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 Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Torquay frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

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

Torquay is a good surf town to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Torquay is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Torquay, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

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 Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Torquay is well known for its walkability. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Torquay is very walkable. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

Koh Pha Ngan is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Torquay Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Torquay because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Torquay, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Torquay 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 Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Torquay, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this hip surf town 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.

In Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This party island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan?

Torquay is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Torquay. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Koh Pha Ngan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Pha Ngan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan?

Torquay 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 Koh Pha Ngan. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Torquay and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan?

Torquay has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Pha Ngan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Torquay as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

In January, Torquay is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Nganin July. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 26°C (78°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Torquay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Torquay usually gets more rain in January than Koh Pha Nganin July. Torquay gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Torquay are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Torquay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Torquay is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In April, Torquay usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Nganin October. Torquay gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November.

Should I visit Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Torquay during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Torquay this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

In the winter, Torquay is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Torquay in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

Torquay usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Nganin January. Torquay gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan.

Should I visit Torquay or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Torquay and Koh Pha Ngan. Many travelers come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Torquay is generally cooler than Koh Pha Nganin April. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 21°C (71°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In October, Torquay usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Nganin April. Torquay gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Torquay