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

Should you visit Tartu or Koh Tao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Koh Tao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tartu

Tartu is a student-oriented, cultural, and historical university town. Tartu is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. Many visitors also come to Koh Tao because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Tartu and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Koh Tao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Tartu 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 museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is known for its historical sights. Koh Tao is more touristy than Tartu and is known 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. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Koh Tao is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Tao. 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.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Tao is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Tartu and Koh Tao.

The nightlife in Tartu has something for everybody. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

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.

Is Tartu or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Tartu is not a resort destination.

In Koh Tao, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Tartu is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tartu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Tao is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Tartu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tartu or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Tartu is not a beach destination.

Koh Tao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

Is Tartu or Koh Tao Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Tartu to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is a great island for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao for the hiking trails. 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.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is a island with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Koh Tao has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Tartu or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Koh Tao is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Tao because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Is Tartu or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Both Tartu and Koh Tao are good to visit with kids.

Tartu offers lots of family activities. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

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 Tartu or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is a great island for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Koh Tao is a great island if you're traveling as 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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

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

Koh Tao is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Tao, as it is a very popular island 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Tartu or Koh Tao Better for Students?

Tartu is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tao is not popular with students.

Tartu is a great destination for students. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Koh Tao is not popular with students.

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

Tartu 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 Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the 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 Tartu or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Tartu and Koh Tao are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Tartu is a very walkable destination. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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 Tartu Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Koh Tao?

Both Tartu 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 Tartu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

Families should spend more time in Koh Tao than Tartu. 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 Tartu. 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 Tartu 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 Tartu or Koh Tao?

In Tartu, you'll find nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This university town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This 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 Tartu or Koh Tao?

In Tartu, you'll find nightlife. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tartu has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Koh Tao?

Tartu 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.

Koh Tao is a fun place to experience. In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tartu. Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Tartu. 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.

In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this mellow destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Koh Tao?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu or Koh Tao?

Tartu 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 Tartu or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Tartu is generally cooler than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tartu. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Tartu during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Tartu is much colder than Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Tartu or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Koh Tao. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Should I visit Tartu or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Koh Tao. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In April, Tartu is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In the spring, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Koh Tao. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Tartu