A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Torquay vs. Railay Beach for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Torquay or Railay Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Torquay or Railay Beach, 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. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Torquay is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Torquay travel costs.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a fun-filled, adventurous, and dramatic beach area. Many visitors also come to Railay Beach because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Railay Beach travel costs.

Torquay and Railay Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Railay Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Torquay. Although Torquay and Railay Beach are popular destinations, Torquay has more sights and attractions for tourists. Torquay is very popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Railay Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Railay Beach is more touristy than Torquay and is popular for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. It is also well known for Bells Beach.

How is Torquay different from Railay Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach?

Torquay is very good for its sights and museums. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its museums and history.

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.

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 Torquay or Railay Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Torquay and Railay Beach.

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 Railay Beach area. 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 Torquay or Railay Beach Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Torquay and Railay Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Torquay has a few options to choose from. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Torquay or Railay Beach Better for Resorts?

Railay Beach is great for its luxury resorts. However, Torquay is not a resort destination.

Railay Beach is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Torquay is not a resort destination.

Is Torquay or Railay Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Railay Beach is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Railay Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Torquay or Railay Beach Better for Beaches?

Torquay is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Torquay is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Railay Beach. 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.

Is Torquay or Railay Beach Better for Hiking?

Torquay is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Railay Beach is not a hiking destination.

Torquay is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Railay Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Torquay or Railay Beach?

Torquay is very good for shopping. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area 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, Railay Beach has some nice offerings. The Walking Street has shops that sell bathing suits or anything you may have forgotten.

Is Torquay or Railay Beach More Beautiful?

Railay Beach is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Railay Beach because of it's amazing beauty. The dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches make this a stunning place to visit.

Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Is Torquay or Railay Beach Better for Families?

Torquay and Railay Beach are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Torquay offers lots of family activities. 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.

Railay Beach is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Torquay or Railay Beach Better for Couples?

Torquay and Railay Beach are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Torquay is a great surf town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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

Is Torquay or Railay Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Railay Beach is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

Many 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.

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

Torquay is very good for its public transit. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for times when you don't have a car.

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

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

Is Torquay or Railay Beach a more walkable city?

Railay Beach is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its ease of walking around.

Railay Beach is a very easy beach area to get around on foot. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Railay Beach or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Railay Beach?

It's fun to spend time in either Torquay 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, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Torquay, and 2-4 days is enough time in Railay Beach.

Families should spend more time in Railay Beach than Torquay. 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 Torquay than Railay Beach. 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 Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach.

One day in Torquay or Railay Beach?

In Torquay, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this casual 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 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 Torquay or Railay Beach?

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 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 Torquay or Railay Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back 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.

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 Torquay or Railay Beach?

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 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 The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in 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 Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Torquay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Torquay 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 Torquay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Torquay 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 Torquay.

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

When is the best time to visit Torquay or Railay Beach?

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

Should I visit Torquay or Railay Beach in the Summer?

Both Railay Beach and Torquay during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.

In January, Torquay is generally around the same temperature as Railay Beachin July. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 26°C (78°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Torquay. Torquay usually gets less rain in January than Railay Beachin July. Torquay gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.

Should I visit Torquay or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Torquay and Railay Beach. 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. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Torquay is cooler than Railay Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

Railay Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Torquay usually receives less rain than Railay Beachin October. Torquay gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.

Should I visit Torquay or Railay Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Torquay as well as Railay Beach. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Torquay this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.

In the winter, Torquay is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Torquay in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.

Torquay usually gets more rain in July than Railay Beachin January. Torquay gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season.

Should I visit Torquay or Railay Beach in the Spring?

Both Railay Beach and Torquay are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Torquay is generally cooler than Railay Beachin April. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 21°C (71°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. In October, Torquay usually receives less rain than Railay Beachin April. Torquay gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Torquay