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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Kamakura?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Kamakura, 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 idyllic, serene, and tranquil island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Koh Chang and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Kamakura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamakura. Although Koh Chang and Kamakura are both popular with visitors, Kamakura has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamakura is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Koh Chang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Kamakura is more touristy than Koh Chang and is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also home to the Great Buddha. Koh Chang is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kamakura is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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 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 Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura. 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.

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 Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Kamakura has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Chang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Koh Chang or Kamakura Better for Resorts?

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

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

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is a moderate island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang 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 Chang. 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.

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 Koh Chang or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

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

Kamakura is a good destination for visiting its old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Koh Chang does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Chang or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Kamakura has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

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 Kamakura?

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kamakura. 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 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 Kamakura Better for Families?

Koh Chang is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Chang is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Kamakura is a family-friendly island. 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.

Is Koh Chang or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

Koh Chang makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

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

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

Koh Chang is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Koh Chang. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Koh Chang and Kamakura.

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.

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.

Is Koh Chang or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Kamakura is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Chang or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Chang than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

One day in Koh Chang or Kamakura?

The beautiful island of Koh Chang offers food and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Kamakura. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamakura has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Kamakura?

Koh Chang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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

Five days in Koh Chang or Kamakura?

Koh Chang is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Chang, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint coastal city of Kamakura. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Kamakura?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Kamakura 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 Kamakura, we can see that Kamakura 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 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 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 Kamakura Expensive?.

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Kamakura. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Koh Chang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kamakura. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in July than Kamakura. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Chang is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Chang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during autumn. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In October, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February. The rainy season in Koh Chang is June to October.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Koh Chang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In January, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 26°C (79°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the winter, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Kamakura in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during spring. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Koh Chang