A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Koyasan for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bangkok or Koyasan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Koyasan 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.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a cultural, alluring, and spirited capital city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a peaceful, serene, and spiritual town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Bangkok and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Koyasan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bangkok. Although Bangkok and Koyasan are popular destinations, Bangkok has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Bangkok is famous for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Koyasan is famous for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Bangkok different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangkok or Koyasan?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Bangkok are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

Is the Food Better in Bangkok or Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Bangkok, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Bangkok or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

People head to Bangkok just to party. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Bangkok or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Koyasan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is Bangkok or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is a town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Koyasan. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Koyasan?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Bangkok make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bangkok or Koyasan Better for Families?

Bangkok is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bangkok is a very kid-friendly capital city. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Bangkok or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Bangkok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Koyasan is a great capital city if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Is Bangkok or Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bangkok. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Is Bangkok or Koyasan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bangkok and Koyasan.

You'll find some public transit in Bangkok, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

While Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Bangkok or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Koyasan is very walkable. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable capital city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

For even more information, also check out Is Bangkok Worth Visiting? and Is Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bangkok or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bangkok than Koyasan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok than Koyasan 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 Bangkok.

One day in Bangkok or Koyasan?

Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This capital city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Bangkok or Koyasan?

Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Bangkok has to offer.

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Koyasan has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Koyasan?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koyasan 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.

A week in Bangkok or Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Since Koyasan is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok or Koyasan?

Koyasan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In July, Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koyasan. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan and Bangkok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Koyasan. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Bangkok is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Koyasan. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Bangkok