A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Hiking, Backpackers, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a majestic, dramatic, and iconic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a backpacker-friendly, tropical, and party-oriented party island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Pha Ngan is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is popular for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is famous for the Full Moon Parties. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koh Pha Ngan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is an amazing party island to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Koh Pha Ngan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a few great resort options. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is an amazing party island to visit for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Pha Ngan. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Many people visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Many visitors go to Koh Pha Ngan for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Pha Ngan is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well known for romance. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan is an amazing party island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Pha Ngan, as it is a very popular party island for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Pha Ngan are notable when it comes to walkability.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a somewhat walkable national park. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

How long in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Pha Ngan.

One day in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, many people enjoy the museums that this majestic national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

The high energy destination of Koh Pha Ngan offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. This party island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Pha Ngan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

You'll find museums around the iconic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Koh Pha Ngan is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Pha Ngan has to offer.

A week in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the backpacker-friendly party island of Koh Pha Ngan. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

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

When is the best time to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

In the summer, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In October, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the winter. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Pha Ngan. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park