A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Hiroshima for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Chang or Hiroshima?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Hiroshima, 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 scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a park-filled, memorable, and meaningful city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Chang and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Hiroshima?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Chang. Although Koh Chang and Hiroshima are both popular with visitors, Koh Chang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Chang is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hiroshima is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Koh Chang is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. It is also home to White Sand Beach. Hiroshima is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Koh Chang different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hiroshima is very popular for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Hiroshima from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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 Hiroshima? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hiroshima is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Chang. 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.

Is Koh Chang or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Hiroshima have good vibes after the sun sets.

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.

Hiroshima has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

Is Koh Chang or Hiroshima Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Hiroshima is not a resort destination.

In Koh Chang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Hiroshima is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Hiroshima Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hiroshima is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Hiroshima is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Hiroshima Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Koh Chang is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Hiroshima Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is adequate for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Koh Chang has hiking trails if you want to get outside. 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.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hiroshima. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

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.

Is Koh Chang or Hiroshima Better for Families?

Koh Chang is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Koh Chang is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Koh Chang or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Koh Chang is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Is Koh Chang or Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Koh Chang is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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

Hiroshima is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Hiroshima. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

You'll find some public transit in Koh Chang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Is Koh Chang or Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Hiroshima is very walkable. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Hiroshima?

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

Families should spend more time in Koh Chang than Hiroshima. 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 Hiroshima. 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 Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima?

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Koh Chang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Hiroshima. 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 Hiroshima?

You'll find food and nightlife around the serene destination of Koh Chang. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the memorable destination of Hiroshima. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Hiroshima?

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic island of Koh Chang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the memorable city of Hiroshima. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Hiroshima?

Koh Chang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Hiroshima is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Hiroshima in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Hiroshima. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Hiroshima in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Chang is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Chang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hiroshima. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Hiroshima. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Hiroshima in the Winter?

Both Hiroshima and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hiroshima can be very cold during winter. In January, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 26°C (79°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Hiroshima in the Spring?

Both Hiroshima and Koh Chang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Hiroshima in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima 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 less rain in April than Hiroshima. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Koh Chang