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

Should you visit Vienna or Koh Tao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Koh Tao, 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.

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. Many visitors also come to Vienna because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Vienna travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a popular, laid back, and mellow island. Koh Tao is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Vienna and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vienna than Koh Tao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vienna is better known for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Koh Tao is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Vienna is more touristy than Koh Tao and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Koh Tao is well known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna 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 Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches 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 Vienna or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Koh Tao can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Dining out in Koh Tao is an experience not to be missed. 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 Vienna or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Koh Tao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Koh Tao Better for Music?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Koh Tao is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Vienna. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Koh Tao is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Vienna is not a resort destination.

Koh Tao is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Vienna is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Koh Tao specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vienna or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Vienna is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Tao are among the best in 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.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Vienna or Koh Tao Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Is Vienna or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

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.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Koh Tao?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Vienna and Koh Tao are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.

Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

The famous beauty of Koh Tao is one of the main draws. 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.

Is Vienna or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Vienna and Koh Tao are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tao. 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 Vienna or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for couples.

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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.

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

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Tao is extremely popular 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Koh Tao Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Koh Tao is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Vienna is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Koh Tao?

Both Vienna 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 Vienna. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Vienna 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 Vienna or Koh Tao?

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

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 Vienna or Koh Tao?

In Vienna, you'll find museums and 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Koh Tao?

Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer. 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 Vienna or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical 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 Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Koh Tao?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 1220 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna or Koh Tao?

Vienna 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 Vienna or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Koh Tao. The summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vienna usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Koh Tao. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In the autumn, Vienna is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October and November in Koh Tao is the rainy season.

Should I visit Vienna or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. In January, Vienna is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.

Should I visit Vienna or Koh Tao in the Spring?

Both Koh Tao and Vienna during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Vienna is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the spring, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Koh Tao. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Vienna