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

Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a happy, welcoming, and relaxed city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of Copenhagen is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Copenhagen travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a party-oriented, high energy, and funky party island. The beauty of Koh Pha Ngan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Copenhagen and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Copenhagen 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 resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Copenhagen attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Copenhagen 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. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population.

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Copenhagen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Copenhagen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

The amazing nightlife scene is relatively similar in Copenhagen and Koh Pha Ngan.

Copenhagen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Koh Pha Ngan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

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

Copenhagen is not a resort destination.

Is Copenhagen 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, Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for the beach. However, Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Pha Ngan is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Copenhagen is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Copenhagen is one of the main draws. Known as the happiest city in the world, visitors will feel lighter just walking around this beautiful town. There's a calming effect that will make you enjoy your visit all the more.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is one of the most popular family destinations. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Copenhagen has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Copenhagen is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Students?

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

Copenhagen is very popular with students. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen can get you around easily. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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 Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Copenhagen on foot is easy. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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

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

How long in Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Copenhagen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Copenhagen than Koh Pha Ngan. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

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

One day in Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this friendly city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful party island of Koh Pha Ngan, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan?

Copenhagen 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Pha Ngan, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this friendly destination offers. 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. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Koh Pha Ngan, a popular party island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this party island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan?

Copenhagen 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

In July, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Koh Pha Ngan. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Copenhagen is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The winter months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

The weather in Copenhagen can be very cold. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Copenhagen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Pha Ngan. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season.

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

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 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 Copenhagen