A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Picton vs. Koh Tao for Beaches, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Picton or Koh Tao?

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 Picton and Koh Tao. 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.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches. See Picton travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a mellow, beautiful, and tropical island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Tao as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Picton and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Picton or Koh Tao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Picton and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Koh Tao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Tao is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Picton is known for its museums and attractions and small town charm. Picton is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. Koh Tao is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also home to Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Picton different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Picton or Koh Tao?

Picton is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Picton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

Is the Food Better in Picton or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Picton and Koh Tao offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Picton is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Koh Tao. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

Is Picton or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

Koh Tao offers plenty to do in the evening. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Picton or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Picton is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Tao to choose from. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Picton is not a resort destination.

Is Picton or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Tao. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Picton or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is very popular for the beach. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Koh Tao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Picton or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Picton and Koh Tao, and they are great.

Picton is a popular spot for hiking. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tao. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Is the Shopping Better in Picton or Koh Tao?

Both Picton and Koh Tao are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Picton to go shopping. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Koh Tao. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Picton or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Koh Tao is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Tao as well. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.

Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Picton or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Picton is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Picton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Picton or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Picton and Koh Tao both great destinations for a couple.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Koh Tao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

Is Picton or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is very popular for backpackers. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Tao is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Picton is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Picton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Picton or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Picton and Koh Tao both are great when exploring on foot.

Picton is a very walkable destination. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

Koh Tao is very walkable. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Picton Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Picton?

How long in Picton or Koh Tao?

Both Picton and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Picton. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Picton, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Picton 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 Tao.

One day in Picton or Koh Tao?

In Picton, you'll find museums and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Tao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Picton or Koh Tao?

In Picton, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Picton has to offer.

Koh Tao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Picton or Koh Tao?

Picton is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Picton or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Picton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Picton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Koh Tao. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Picton or Koh Tao?

Picton has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Picton and Koh Tao, 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 Picton or Koh Tao?

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

Should I visit Picton or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Picton as well as Koh Tao. Many visitors come to Picton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In January, Picton is generally cooler than Koh Taoin July. Daily temperatures in Picton average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Picton usually gets less rain in January than Koh Taoin July. Picton gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Picton or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Picton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Picton is much colder than Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Picton averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In April, Picton usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin October. Picton gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November.

Should I visit Picton or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Picton during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Picton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

In the winter, Picton is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Picton in July average around 10°C (49°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Picton. Picton usually gets more rain in July than Koh Taoin January. Picton gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Picton or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Picton and Koh Tao. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Picton this time of year. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Picton is generally much colder than Koh Taoin April. Daily temperatures in Picton average around 13°C (55°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In October, Picton usually receives more rain than Koh Taoin April. Picton gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Picton