A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Backpackers, Hiking, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Koh Pha Ngan 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.

Cesis

Cesis is a natural, traditional, and quaint town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a beautiful, backpacker-friendly, and tropical party island. The beauty of Koh Pha Ngan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Cesis and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Cesis 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 museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. It is also well known for the Full Moon Parties. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

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

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

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

Koh Pha Ngan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with good options for its resorts. However, Cesis 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.

Cesis is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for the beach. However, Cesis is not a beach destination.

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.

Cesis is not a beach destination.

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

Cesis is a town with a few options for its historic old town. However, Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

Cesis is a good place to visit the old town. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Pha Ngan is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Cesis offers some nice hiking trails. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Koh Pha Ngan is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Koh Pha Ngan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.

Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Is Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Cesis 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 Cesis. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

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 Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Both Cesis and Koh Pha Ngan are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cesis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

Koh Pha Ngan is a good town for couples to visit. 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 Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cesis. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.

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

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with a few options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Cesis and Koh Pha Ngan both are nice when exploring on foot.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

Koh Pha Ngan is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Cesis 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 Cesis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

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

Cesis is a small town where visitors enjoy the . The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Koh Pha Ngan, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this backpacker-friendly destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This party island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan?

Cesis is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Pha Ngan. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan?

Cesis is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 fun place to experience. In Koh Pha Ngan, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan?

Cesis is a popular place to visit. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the tropical destination of Koh Pha Ngan. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan?

Cesis has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Cesis 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 Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan?

Cesis 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 Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cesis in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, 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.

In July, Cesis is generally cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), 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, Cesis usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Cesis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

Cesis is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 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 Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Koh Pha Ngan. The winter months attract visitors to Cesis because of the cuisine. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Cesis can be very cold. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 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 Cesis or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

In April, Cesis is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 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 Cesis