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

Should you visit Riga or Koh Tao?

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

Should I visit Riga or Koh Tao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Riga

Riga is a fun, high energy, and off-the-beaten-path city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Riga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Riga travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a beautiful, tropical, and popular island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Tao as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Riga and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Riga than Koh Tao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Riga is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tao is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Tao is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. Also, Riga is famous for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Riga is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Riga can be an interesting and educational experience. As a capital city with a diverse history, you'll find a number of museums and landmarks in the area. Visitors frequently visit The Freedom Monument, St. Peters Church, the Riga Cathedral, The House of the Black Heads, and any of the many museums around town.

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 Riga or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Riga and Koh Tao offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Riga. The city offers a great opportunity to try many Latvian specialties including rasol (a potato salad), pelmeni (a Latvian dumpling), and karbonade (kind of like schnitzel). The cuisine is hearty and filling with lots of bread, dumpling, and meats. Riga is also where you'll find the largest food market in Europe, which is the perfect place to wander and pick up some local items.

Koh Tao has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Riga or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Riga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Despite being a small city, this capital has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere. The historic center comes to life in the evenings, particularly between Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is compact enough that you can walk from club to club and prices are reasonable.

Koh Tao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Riga or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is notable for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

Koh Tao is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Riga is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Tao a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Tao. 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.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Koh Tao Better for its Old Town?

Riga is great for its old town. However, Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Riga to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming architecture. The city is less touristy than many places in Europe so you can usually avoid the large crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk. During the evening you'll find the area turns into an entertainment district with many clubs and bars.

Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

Koh Tao is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Koh Tao?

Riga is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Riga is well-known for its shopping. Some of the most interesting shopping in the city is in the old town. Prices might be a little more expensive than you expect but it's possible to find some unique items. The city also has many markets, including the largest food market in Europe, which is a must-see.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. 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 Riga or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Koh Tao is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and 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.

With stunning beauty, Riga attracts visitors from all around. The city's unique architecture is notable for its wooden buildings, which give the city an interesting historical style.

Is Riga or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Koh Tao.

Riga is a family-friendly place to visit. During the winter months, there are a number of museums that are fun to explore with kids including the Nature Museum, the Railroad Museum, the Aviation Technology Museum, and the Riga Firefighter Museum. There are also several indoor play areas. When the weather is warmer there are a number of outdoor parks and playgrounds to explore.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly city. 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 Riga or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Riga is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a charming old town that you can explore, taking time to relax in the city squares or sip coffee at a cafe. There are also many nice restaurants that will make for a romantic date night.

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

Both Riga and Koh Tao are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Riga. There are many affordable hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can grab a cheap meal. The city offers a great European experience at a fraction of the price of many cities.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Tao, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Is Riga or Koh Tao Better for Students?

Riga is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tao is not popular with students.

Riga is a great city to visit as a student. The city's affordability and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for international students. There are many places to hang out and a lively nightlife scene that appeals to young travelers.

Koh Tao is not popular with students.

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

Riga is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Riga can get you to some places easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

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 Riga or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Riga and Koh Tao both are very good when exploring on foot.

Riga is a very walkable city. The city is small enough that most areas can be explored on foot.

Koh Tao is a very walkable destination. 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 Riga Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Riga?

How long in Riga or Koh Tao?

Both Riga 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 Riga. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Tao than Riga. 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 Riga than Koh Tao 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 Riga.

One day in Riga or Koh Tao?

In Riga, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Tao. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Riga or Koh Tao?

In Riga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Riga has to offer.

Koh Tao is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Riga or Koh Tao?

Riga is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the popular destination of Koh Tao. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Riga or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Riga. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Tao. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Koh Tao?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 540 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga or Koh Tao?

Riga 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 Riga or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Koh Tao. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

Riga is cooler than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Riga usually gets less rain in July than Koh Tao. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 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 Riga or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Riga can be very cold during winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 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 Riga or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Koh Tao. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Riga is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 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 Riga