A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake Tekapo vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan?

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 Lake Tekapo and Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a high energy, funky, and beautiful party island. With stunning beauty, Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Lake Tekapo and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Pha Ngan is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its small town charm. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is known for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is famous for the Full Moon Parties. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

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

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

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Koh Pha Ngan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Pha Ngan area. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Koh Pha Ngan is a must-see party destination. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a few great resort options. 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

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

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Lake Tekapo and Koh Pha Ngan, and they are high quality.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Many visitors go to Koh Pha Ngan for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Koh Pha Ngan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. 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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Lake Tekapo and Koh Pha Ngan.

With stunning beauty, Lake Tekapo attracts visitors from all around. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Koh Pha Ngan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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 Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Lake Tekapo is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

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 Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Lake Tekapo and Koh Pha Ngan both notable destinations for a couple.

Lake Tekapo is a good town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Koh Pha Ngan is a nice destination for couples. 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 Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Pha Ngan is a very popular party island to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with a few options for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Lake Tekapo and Koh Pha Ngan both are notable when exploring on foot.

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

Koh Pha Ngan is somewhat walkable. 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 Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Lake Tekapo?

How long in Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Lake Tekapo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lake Tekapo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Lake Tekapo 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 Pha Ngan.

One day in Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Lake Tekapo, many people enjoy the that this small town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-oriented party island of Koh Pha Ngan. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Lake Tekapo is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the party-oriented destination of Koh Pha Ngan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This party island 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 Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan?

You'll find around the small destination of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the high energy party island of Koh Pha Ngan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Lake Tekapo is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Koh Pha Ngan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Lake Tekapo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Pha Ngan has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Lake Tekapo 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.