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

Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a active, nature-focused, and coastal city. Many visitors also come to Helsinki because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Helsinki 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.

Helsinki and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Helsinki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Helsinki is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Koh Tao is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Also, Koh Tao is famous for Mango Bay Viewpoint. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Tao and Helsinki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Helsinki or Koh Tao?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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 Helsinki or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Koh Tao both to be high quality destinations.

Helsinki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

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 Helsinki or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Koh Tao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Helsinki or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Koh Tao?

Helsinki is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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 Helsinki or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

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

Helsinki is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's location on the tip of a peninsula means that the water has a huge influence over daily life. There are more than 300 islands in the area and plenty of nature and parkland. The city is filled with striking color and tons of beauty.

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 Helsinki or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Helsinki is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Koh Tao are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Couples visit Koh Tao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Helsinki or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Helsinki or Koh Tao Better for Students?

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

Helsinki is a great city to visit as a student. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Koh Tao is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Helsinki can get you to some places easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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 Helsinki or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Koh Tao is a very walkable island. 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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Koh Tao?

Both Helsinki 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 Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Koh Tao?

In Helsinki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful island of Koh Tao offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Helsinki or Koh Tao?

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

Koh Tao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Tao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Koh Tao?

Helsinki is a great place to explore. 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.

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

A week in Helsinki or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koh Tao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Tao has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Koh Tao?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Koh Tao?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Koh Tao in the Summer?

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

Helsinki is cooler than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Koh Tao. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 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 Helsinki or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Helsinki or Koh Tao in the Spring?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Koh Tao. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 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 Helsinki