A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Surfers Paradise for Beaches, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise. 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. With stunning beauty, Koh Tarutao attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a thrilling, active, and ritzy city. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Koh Tarutao and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations, Surfers Paradise has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surfers Paradise is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also well known for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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 Surfers Paradise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

The nightlife in Surfers Paradise is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Surfers Paradise for its luxury resorts. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao and Surfers Paradise both offer world-class beaches.

Koh Tarutao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Surfers Paradise. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise More Beautiful?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Koh Tarutao attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Surfers Paradise is very family-friendly. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Surfers Paradise both great destinations for a couple.

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.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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.

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

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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 Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

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

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise?

Both Koh Tarutao and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Koh Tarutao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the high energy city of Surfers Paradise. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find around the remote island of Koh Tarutao. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the thrilling destination of Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise?

Koh Tarutao is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the thrilling city of Surfers Paradise. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Koh Tarutao is in Asia and Surfers Paradise is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

Both Surfers Paradise 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, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradisein April. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 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 Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

In January, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Surfers Paradisein July. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Surfers Paradise. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches.

Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 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 Surfers Paradise and Koh Tarutao