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

Should you visit Kamakura or Koh Tao?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Koh Tao? 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 laid back, ancient, and quaint coastal city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a beautiful, tropical, and popular island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Kamakura and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kamakura or Koh Tao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Kamakura and Koh Tao are popular destinations, Koh Tao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Tao is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kamakura attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Koh Tao is famous 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.

How is Kamakura different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Tao 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 Tao?

Kamakura is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kamakura can be an interesting and educational experience. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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

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

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 Tao has a huge number of terrific 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 Kamakura or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Both Kamakura and Koh Tao are very good when it comes to partying.

Kamakura offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Koh Tao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Kamakura or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Kamakura is not a resort destination.

Koh Tao is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Tao a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kamakura or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

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

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

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 Tao Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kamakura. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao 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 Tao is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

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 Tao?

Both Kamakura and Koh Tao are nice shopping destinations.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Koh Tao. 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 Kamakura or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kamakura or Koh Tao.

Kamakura is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly coastal city. 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 Kamakura or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kamakura and Koh Tao make for a very good place to visit.

Kamakura is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

Koh Tao makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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

Koh Tao 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 Tao is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

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 Kamakura or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Koh Tao is very walkable. 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Koh Tao?

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

Families should spend more time in Koh Tao than Kamakura. 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 Kamakura. 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 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 Tao.

One day in Kamakura or Koh Tao?

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

The beautiful island of Koh Tao offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Tao?

In Kamakura, 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 Kamakura has to offer.

Koh Tao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Tao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kamakura or Koh Tao?

Kamakura 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.

Koh Tao is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Tao, 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 Tao?

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

Koh Tao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Tao has to offer. This 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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kamakura and Koh Tao, we can see that Kamakura 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 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 Tao.

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 Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kamakura or Koh Tao?

Kamakura has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Kamakura 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 Kamakura or Koh Tao?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Koh Tao. Many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In the summer, Kamakura is around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kamakura in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

In the summer, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Kamakura gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kamakura usually gets less rain in July than Koh Tao. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Kamakura is generally cooler than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during autumn. Kamakura gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In October, Kamakura usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November.

Should I visit Kamakura or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Kamakura during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Kamakura is much colder than Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Kamakura gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.

Kamakura usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Kamakura or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Koh Tao. The spring months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Kamakura is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kamakura in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Kamakura gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Kamakura