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

Should you visit Ise 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 Ise 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.

Ise

Ise is a overlooked, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Ise and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ise or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Ise, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ise is more popular for its museums. Koh Tao is more touristy than Ise and is popular 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. Ise is well known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Ise different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Ise offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

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

Both Ise and Koh Tao offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ise. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Koh Tao has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Ise or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Koh Tao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Ise or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is well known for its resorts. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ise or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ise offers a nice beach destination. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Is Ise or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Ise is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ise or Koh Tao?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Koh Tao and Ise.

Ise offers some nice shopping areas. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Koh Tao has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Ise or Koh Tao Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ise. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Koh Tao offers lots of family activities. 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 Ise or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Koh Tao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

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

Koh Tao is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ise 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 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 Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

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

Ise 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 Ise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

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 Ise or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Ise?

How long in Ise or Koh Tao?

Both Ise 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 Ise. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ise, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

In Ise, you'll find museums and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With nightlife and food around the tropical destination of Koh Tao, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ise or Koh Tao?

In Ise, 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 Ise has to offer.

Many people visit Koh Tao for a weekend. With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the mellow island of Koh Tao, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ise or Koh Tao?

Ise 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Koh Tao, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Ise or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ise. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ise. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koh Tao, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ise and Koh Tao, we can see that Ise 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 Ise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ise 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 Ise Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ise or Koh Tao?

Ise has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Ise 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 Ise or Koh Tao?

Ise 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 Ise or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Ise during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Ise is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In the summer, Ise often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 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 Ise. Ise usually gets more rain in July than Koh Tao. Ise gets 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ise or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ise and Koh Tao. The autumn months attract visitors to Ise because of the shopping scene. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Ise is cooler than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ise in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Ise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during autumn. Ise gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ise usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Ise gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Ise or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ise as well as Koh Tao. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ise this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Ise in the winter. In January, Ise is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Ise average around 5°C (40°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In the winter, Ise often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Ise gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.

Ise usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Ise gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Should I visit Ise or Koh Tao in the Spring?

Both Koh Tao and Ise are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ise for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Ise is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. Ise usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Ise. In April, Ise usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Ise gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Ise