A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brussels vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and Koh Pha Ngan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Brussels travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a tropical, party-oriented, and high energy party island. Koh Pha Ngan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Brussels and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Brussels and Koh Pha Ngan are both popular with visitors, Koh Pha Ngan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Pha Ngan is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Brussels is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. It is also home to the Full Moon Parties. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

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

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

Brussels is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Brussels specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Koh Pha Ngan has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for its resorts. However, Brussels is not a resort destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Koh Pha Ngan offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its historic old town. However, Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Pha Ngan is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan?

Brussels is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Koh Pha Ngan is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Pha Ngan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Brussels is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for backpackers. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Pha Ngan is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Is Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

Brussels is very popular with students. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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 Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

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

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Brussels has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Brussels than Koh Pha Ngan. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

Couples should spend more time in Brussels than Koh Pha Ngan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan?

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 city.

The beautiful party island of Koh Pha Ngan offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 shopping. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan?

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 shopping. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Pha Ngan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan?

Brussels is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Koh Pha Ngan is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This party island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan?

Brussels 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 Brussels or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Brussels is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In July, Brussels usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

In the autumn, Brussels is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Koh Pha Ngan. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

Brussels is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koh Pha Ngan. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Brussels