A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Milford Sound vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. It's also known for skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a backpacker-friendly, tropical, and party-oriented party island. With stunning beauty, Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Milford Sound and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan than Milford Sound, 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 Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is famous for the Full Moon Parties. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

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

Is Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is well known for winter skiing. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Koh Pha Ngan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Pha Ngan is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Koh Pha Ngan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Koh Pha Ngan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is an amazing party island to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Koh Pha Ngan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is an amazing party island to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

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 Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Pha Ngan is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

The beauty of Koh Pha Ngan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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 Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

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

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Milford Sound is well known for romance. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Koh Pha Ngan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan is an amazing party island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Pha Ngan, as it is a very popular party island for budget travelers. 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 Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Milford Sound and Koh Pha Ngan.

Public transit is mostly limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

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.

Is Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Koh Pha Ngan is a somewhat walkable party island. 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable fiord. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Milford Sound?

How long in Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milford Sound than Koh Pha Ngan because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-6 days is a good amount of time for Milford Sound, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

Families should spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this remote fiord offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the backpacker-friendly destination of Koh Pha Ngan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan?

Milford Sound 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. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Pha Ngan. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this world renowned destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the high energy destination of Koh Pha Ngan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This party island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan?

Milford Sound 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful party island of Koh Pha Ngan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, The Best Luxury 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 Milford Sound and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Milford Sound or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Pha Ngan has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Milford Sound 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.