A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kamakura vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Should I visit Kamakura 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.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a charming, laid back, and ancient coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Kamakura travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a tropical, party-oriented, and high energy party island. Koh Pha Ngan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Kamakura and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Kamakura and Koh Pha Ngan are both popular with visitors, Koh Pha Ngan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Pha Ngan is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kamakura is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Kamakura and is known for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. It is also home to the Full Moon Parties. Kamakura is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.

How is Kamakura 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 Kamakura. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

Kamakura is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Kamakura specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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 Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamakura is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kamakura makes for a great culinary experience. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

Koh Pha Ngan has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Koh Pha Ngan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Kamakura has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

Is Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place for its resorts. However, Kamakura is not a resort destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

Is Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura 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.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for the beach.

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.

Many people head to Kamakura to enjoy the beach. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Is Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is very good for its historic old town. However, Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kamakura to see the historical old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Pha Ngan is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its hiking trails.

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Is the Shopping Better in Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

Kamakura is very good for shopping. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Kamakura is a great destination for shopping. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Pha Ngan has some nice offerings. 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.

Is Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Koh Pha Ngan is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Pha Ngan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.

Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Kamakura is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kamakura. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

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 Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Kamakura is well known for romance. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Kamakura frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

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 Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Pha Ngan is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Kamakura is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

Is Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

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 Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Kamakura and Koh Pha Ngan both are good when exploring on foot.

Kamakura is somewhat walkable. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

Koh Pha Ngan is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Kamakura Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Kamakura 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 Kamakura because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kamakura than Koh Pha Ngan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kamakura 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 Kamakura 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 Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Kamakura, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming coastal city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

The beautiful party island of Koh Pha Ngan offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

Kamakura is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Kamakura. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Pha Ngan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

Kamakura is a popular place to visit. 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.

Koh Pha Ngan is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This party island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in 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 Kamakura and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Kamakura 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 Kamakura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kamakura 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 Kamakura Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

Kamakura has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Kamakura and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Koh Pha Ngan. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kamakura is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kamakura usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Pha Ngan. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

In the autumn, Kamakura is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kamakura in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kamakura usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. October and November in Koh Pha Ngan is the rainy season.

Should I visit Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Kamakura is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 6°C (43°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In January, Kamakura usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Pha Ngan. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March.

Should I visit Kamakura or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Kamakura during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

Kamakura is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. Kamakura usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Kamakura