A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a ritzy, glamourous, and high energy city. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Surfers Paradise 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 hiking, nightlife, and food. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Surfers Paradise and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan than Surfers Paradise, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Pha Ngan is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. Surfers Paradise is well known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Koh Pha Ngan is well 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.

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Surfers Paradise specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surfers Paradise is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Surfers Paradise makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Koh Pha Ngan has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

The terrific nightlife scene is relatively similar in Surfers Paradise and Koh Pha Ngan.

Surfers Paradise is a must-see party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Koh Pha Ngan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Surfers Paradise is a perfect choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

With a selection of resorts, Koh Pha Ngan makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

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

Surfers Paradise is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Koh Pha Ngan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Both Surfers Paradise and Koh Pha Ngan have terrific beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Surfers Paradise are among the best in the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Koh Pha Ngan is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Pha Ngan is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Surfers Paradise is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Koh Pha Ngan is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors from all around. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.

Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise and Koh Pha Ngan are both terrific destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Koh Pha Ngan is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise and Koh Pha Ngan are notable when it comes to walkability.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Koh Pha Ngan because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Koh Pha Ngan 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this ritzy 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Koh Pha Ngan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This party island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan?

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful party island of Koh Pha Ngan. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this ritzy destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan?

Surfers Paradise is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Koh Pha Ngan is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan?

Surfers Paradise has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Surfers Paradise during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

In the summer, Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surfers Paradise in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F)in July.

Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in January than Koh Pha Nganin July. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Koh Pha Ngan. The autumn months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Surfers Paradise is generally cooler than Koh Pha Nganin October. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 22°C (71°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Surfers Paradise usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Nganin October. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

Surfers Paradise is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the winter. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Nganin January. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Surfers Paradise is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surfers Paradise in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. In October, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Nganin April. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (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 Surfers Paradise