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

Should you visit Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a memorable, meaningful, and park-filled city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hiroshima and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Koh Tao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Hiroshima and Koh Tao are popular destinations, Koh Tao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Tao is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hiroshima attracts visitors for its museums & sights and shopping. Koh Tao is more touristy than Hiroshima and is known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also well known for Mango Bay Viewpoint. Hiroshima is famous for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Hiroshima different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hiroshima is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hiroshima are world-renowned. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Koh Tao. 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 Hiroshima or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a great island for nightlife. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Koh Tao has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

Is Hiroshima or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hiroshima or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Is Hiroshima or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is a great island for hiking. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Koh Tao?

Hiroshima is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Hiroshima is well-known for its shopping. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

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 Hiroshima or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Both Hiroshima and Koh Tao are nice to visit with kids.

Hiroshima offers lots of family activities. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

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 Hiroshima or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is a great island for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

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

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Koh Tao. 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 Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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

Hiroshima is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Hiroshima can get you to some places easily. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around 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 Hiroshima or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

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

Hiroshima is very walkable. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

Koh Tao is a very walkable city. 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 Hiroshima Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Koh Tao?

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

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

In Hiroshima, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Koh Tao. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Koh Tao?

In Hiroshima, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hiroshima has to offer.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid back destination of Koh Tao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or Koh Tao?

Hiroshima 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back island of Koh Tao. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Hiroshima or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hiroshima. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koh Tao is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Tao, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day 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 Hiroshima and Koh Tao, we can see that Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Koh Tao?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 830 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima or Koh Tao?

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hiroshima 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 the summer, Hiroshima is around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hiroshima in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Hiroshima usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during summer. Hiroshima gets 194 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. It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. In July, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

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

In October, Hiroshima is generally cooler than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In the autumn, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Hiroshima gets 193 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 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 Hiroshima or Koh Tao in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Hiroshima in the winter. Hiroshima is much colder than Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. Hiroshima usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Hiroshima gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hiroshima usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 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 Hiroshima or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as Koh Tao. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In the spring, Hiroshima is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hiroshima in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In the spring, Hiroshima often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 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 Hiroshima