A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Dewa Sanzan for Couples, Hiking, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a serene, tranquil, and scenic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a sacred, remote, and traditional religious site. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums.

Koh Chang and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Chang. Although Koh Chang and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations, Koh Chang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Chang is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Koh Chang is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. It is also well known for White Sand Beach. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Koh Chang different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Dewa Sanzan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Is the Food Better in Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Chang is very good for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Koh Chang has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Koh Chang. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Chang. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Koh Chang. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Chang is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Koh Chang is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Chang is very family-friendly. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly island. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Chang has plenty to offer. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

Dewa Sanzan is a good island for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Koh Chang. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Chang is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Koh Chang has some public transit options. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

Public transit is generally limited in Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Koh Chang and Dewa Sanzan are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Koh Chang is generally not a very walkable island. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Chang Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Chang and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Chang than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Chang than Dewa Sanzan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Chang that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Chang than Dewa Sanzan 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 Chang.

One day in Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene island of Koh Chang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums around the religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the serene destination of Koh Chang. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums around the religious destination of Dewa Sanzan. 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 religious site has to offer. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic island of Koh Chang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the religious religious site of Dewa Sanzan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Koh Chang. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Chang and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dewa Sanzan is more expensive. And not only is Koh Chang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Chang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Chang 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 Dewa Sanzan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dewa Sanzan than you might in Koh Chang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Chang Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Chang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking.

In the summer, Koh Chang is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Koh Chang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

In October, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dewa Sanzan. Koh Chang is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Dewa Sanzan. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Koh Chang is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Koh Chang