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

Should you visit Atami 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 Atami 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.

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tao

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

Atami and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atami or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Atami is more popular for its museums. Koh Tao is more touristy than Atami and is known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Also, Koh Tao is famous for Mango Bay Viewpoint. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Atami offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Koh Tao has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Atami or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami 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.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Atami or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atami or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is renowned for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Atami or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Koh Tao?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Atami and Koh Tao.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atami. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

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 Atami or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Both Atami and Koh Tao are notable to visit with kids.

Atami is a family-friendly town. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

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 Atami or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

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

Koh Tao is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Atami 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 Atami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

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 Atami or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Koh Tao is a very walkable island. 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.

Atami is a somewhat walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Atami?

How long in Atami or Koh Tao?

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

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

In Atami, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this mellow 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 Atami or Koh Tao?

In Atami, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atami 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 Atami or Koh Tao?

Atami is a great place to explore. 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 Atami or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atami. 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 laid back 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Atami or Koh Tao?

Atami has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Atami 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 Atami or Koh Tao?

Atami 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 Atami or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atami and Koh Tao. Most visitors come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Atami is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Atami usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Atami gets 140 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. Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atami usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atami or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atami as well as Koh Tao. The autumn months attract visitors to Atami because of the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In the autumn, Atami is cooler than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atami in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

In the autumn, Atami often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Atami gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Atami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Atami usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 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 Atami or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Atami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atami this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Atami is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 5°C (42°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Atami gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atami usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 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 Atami or Koh Tao in the Spring?

Both Koh Tao and Atami during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atami for the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Atami is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Atami often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Atami gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. Atami usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 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 Atami