A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Canberra for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Canberra?

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 Koh Tarutao and Canberra. 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a remote, beautiful, and undiscovered island. The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Canberra travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Canberra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Canberra. Although Koh Tarutao and Canberra are both popular with visitors, Canberra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Canberra is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Canberra is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also home to the Australian War Memorial. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Canberra?

Canberra is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Koh Tarutao or Canberra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Canberra is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Canberra has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Canberra is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Canberra Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Canberra is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Canberra is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Canberra Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is terrific for the beach. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Tarutao. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Canberra?

Canberra is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Canberra has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Canberra More Beautiful?

Koh Tarutao is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Canberra Better for Families?

Canberra is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Canberra. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Canberra Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Canberra is a good island for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Koh Tarutao or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Koh Tarutao or Canberra Better for Students?

Canberra is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Canberra is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Canberra a more walkable city?

Canberra is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Tarutao Worth Visiting? and Is Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Tarutao and Canberra. In our opinion, Canberra has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Canberra than Koh Tarutao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Canberra than Koh Tarutao 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 Canberra.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Canberra?

The beautiful island of Koh Tarutao offers . 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Canberra. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Canberra?

Koh Tarutao 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Tarutao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Canberra. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Canberra?

Koh Tarutao is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The under-rated city of Canberra offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Canberra?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 island offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Canberra, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tarutao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Tarutao is in Asia and Canberra is in Pacific, 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 Tarutao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tarutao 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra than you might in Koh Tarutao.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Canberra Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Canberra?

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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally a little warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra and Koh Tarutao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Canberrain April. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Canberrain July. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Canberra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Canberra. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Canberrain October. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Koh Tarutao