A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Perth or Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Perth and Koh Pha Ngan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a friendly, relaxed, and easy-going city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Perth travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a funky, beautiful, and backpacker-friendly party island. Koh Pha Ngan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and nightlife. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Perth and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Koh Pha Ngan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Perth and Koh Pha Ngan are both popular with visitors, Koh Pha Ngan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Pha Ngan is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Perth is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. It is also home to the Full Moon Parties. Perth is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

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

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

Perth is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

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.

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

Both Perth and Koh Pha Ngan offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

Is Perth or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is very popular for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Koh Pha Ngan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Perth or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Perth is not a resort destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Perth is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Pha Ngan is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Perth or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Perth and Koh Pha Ngan are fantastic choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

The beaches in Koh Pha Ngan are among the best in 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.

Is Perth or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Pha Ngan is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

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.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Koh Pha Ngan?

Perth is very good for shopping. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Perth is a great destination for shopping. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Pha Ngan has some nice offerings. 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.

Is Perth or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Koh Pha Ngan is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Perth is not a destination known for its 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.

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Perth or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

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

Perth is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

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 Perth or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Both Perth and Koh Pha Ngan are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Perth is a nice destination for couples. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

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 Perth or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Perth or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Students?

Perth is very good for students. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

Perth is popular with students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

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

Perth is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Perth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Public transit is mostly 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 Perth or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Perth and Koh Pha Ngan are good when it comes to walkability.

Perth is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

Koh Pha Ngan is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Perth Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Perth?

How long in Perth or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Perth 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 Perth because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Perth. 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 Perth 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 Perth or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Perth, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this easy-going city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

In Koh Pha Ngan, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this high energy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This party island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Perth or Koh Pha Ngan?

Perth is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 beaches. 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. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Perth or Koh Pha Ngan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the sunny destination of Perth. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Koh Pha Ngan is a fun place to experience. In Koh Pha Ngan, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Perth or Koh Pha Ngan?

Perth is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 nightlife and food around the funky destination of Koh Pha Ngan. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Koh Pha Ngan?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Perth 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.

When is the best time to visit Perth or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Should I visit Perth or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Perth as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The summer months attract visitors to Perth because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

Perth is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Perth usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Nganin July. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Perth is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Perth in April average around 19°C (67°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In April, Perth usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Nganin October. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November.

Should I visit Perth or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Perth during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Perth for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

In July, Perth is generally much colder than Koh Pha Nganin January. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 13°C (55°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Nganin January. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan.

Should I visit Perth or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Koh Pha Ngan. Many visitors come to Perth in the spring for the beaches. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Perth is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in April.

In October, Perth usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Nganin April. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Perth