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

Should you visit Kanazawa or Koh Tao?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Koh Tao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a cultural, well-preserved, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tao

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

Kanazawa and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Koh Tao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Kanazawa is famous for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. 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 Kanazawa different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

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

Both Kanazawa and Koh Tao offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Koh Tao for the nightlife scene. 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 Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Kanazawa or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Tao. 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.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Tao is not to be missed. 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.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanazawa or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tao is a very popular vacation 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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Kanazawa or Koh Tao Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Koh Tao?

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

Kanazawa is well-known for its shopping. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Kanazawa or Koh Tao.

Kanazawa offers lots of family activities. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

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

Koh Tao is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Kanazawa or Koh Tao Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tao is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Koh Tao is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Kanazawa and Koh Tao are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Kanazawa is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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 Kanazawa Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Koh Tao?

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

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

In Kanazawa, you'll find nightlife 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.

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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao?

In Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanazawa. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Kanazawa and Koh Tao, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Koh Tao?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanazawa in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Kanazawa gets 180 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 Kanazawa. In July, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Kanazawa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

In October, Kanazawa is generally cooler than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 17°C (62°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In the autumn, Kanazawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao. Kanazawa gets 155 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 Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Koh Tao. Many visitors come to Kanazawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kanazawa can get quite cold in the winter. Kanazawa is much colder than Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 3°C (38°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. Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 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 Kanazawa or Koh Tao in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Kanazawa is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanazawa in April average around 12°C (54°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, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 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 Kanazawa