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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Koh Tao?

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 Tao 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 welcoming, relaxed, and beautiful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Many visitors also come to Copenhagen because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Copenhagen travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. Koh Tao is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Copenhagen and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Koh Tao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Copenhagen is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tao is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Koh Tao is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Copenhagen is well known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. Also, Copenhagen is famous for Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Tao 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 Tao?

Copenhagen is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Copenhagen can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

Is the Food Better in Copenhagen or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Copenhagen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Dining out in Koh Tao is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Copenhagen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Tao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Copenhagen is not a resort destination.

In Koh Tao, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Copenhagen is not a resort destination.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Copenhagen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Tao is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Copenhagen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is renowned for the beach. However, Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Koh Tao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen is great for its old town. However, Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Copenhagen to see the historical old town. 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 Tao does not have a historic old town.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao 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 Tao. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Koh Tao?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Copenhagen draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Copenhagen and Koh Tao are somewhat similar when it comes to the first-rate scenery.

Copenhagen is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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 famous beauty of Koh Tao is one of the main draws. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for couples.

Copenhagen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao 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 Tao is extremely popular for backpackers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

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 Tao Better for Students?

Copenhagen is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tao is not popular with students.

Copenhagen is a great city to visit as a student. 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 Tao is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors in Copenhagen can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Copenhagen or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

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

Koh Tao is a very walkable destination. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Koh Tao?

Both Copenhagen and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Copenhagen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

Families should spend more time in Copenhagen than Koh Tao. 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 Tao. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen than Koh Tao 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 Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Koh Tao?

In Copenhagen, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the mellow island of Koh Tao, 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 Tao?

In Copenhagen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Copenhagen has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Tao, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Copenhagen or Koh Tao?

Copenhagen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Copenhagen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koh Tao, a popular 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 island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Copenhagen. 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.

Koh Tao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. 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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Koh Tao, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Copenhagen is in Europe and Koh Tao 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 Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Tao.

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 Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Koh Tao?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 830 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Koh Tao, 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 Tao?

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

Should I visit Copenhagen or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Koh Tao. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Copenhagen is cooler than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Koh Tao. The autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October and November in Koh Tao is the rainy season.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. In January, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Koh Tao in the Spring?

Both Koh Tao and Copenhagen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Copenhagen is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Koh Tao. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Copenhagen