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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Kanazawa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Kanazawa, 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.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Chang and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Kanazawa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kanazawa. Although Koh Chang and Kanazawa are both popular with visitors, Kanazawa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kanazawa is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Koh Chang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kanazawa is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. It is also home to Kenroku-en Garden. Koh Chang is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanazawa 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 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 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 Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kanazawa 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 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).

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 Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Koh Chang or Kanazawa Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

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

Kanazawa is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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 Chang does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Chang or Kanazawa Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is adequate for hiking. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. 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.

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 Kanazawa Better for Families?

Koh Chang is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Koh Chang or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is very popular for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

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 Koh Chang or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa 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.

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

Is Koh Chang or Kanazawa Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Koh Chang is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Kanazawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Is Koh Chang or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

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

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Chang or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Chang than Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa.

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

One day in Koh Chang or Kanazawa?

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 city of Kanazawa. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kanazawa has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Kanazawa?

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 cultural destination of Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?

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 cultural city of Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?

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.

Kanazawa 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Chang and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa 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 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 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.

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

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Kanazawa. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

In the autumn, Koh Chang is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Chang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Kanazawa. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 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 Kanazawa in the Winter?

Both Kanazawa 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, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kanazawa. In January, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 26°C (79°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Koh Chang