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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Mashiko?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Mashiko, 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 to Koh Chang because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a charming, traditional, and rural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Mashiko travel costs.

Koh Chang and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Mashiko?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Chang than Mashiko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Chang is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Koh Chang is well known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. Also, Koh Chang is famous for White Sand Beach.

How is Koh Chang different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mashiko is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji 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 Mashiko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Koh Chang and Mashiko offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mashiko. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Koh Chang or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Koh Chang has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Koh Chang or Mashiko Better for Resorts?

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

Koh Chang is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Mashiko is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Mashiko Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Chang are among the best in the world. 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.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

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

Mashiko has hiking trails worth exploring. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

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 Mashiko?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

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 Mashiko More Beautiful?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Chang because of it's amazing beauty. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Chang or Mashiko Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Mashiko are both superb destinations for the whole family.

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.

Mashiko is a very kid-friendly island. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

Is Koh Chang or Mashiko Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Koh Chang has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Mashiko is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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

Koh Chang is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

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

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Koh Chang and Mashiko.

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 Mashiko, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Is Koh Chang or Mashiko a more walkable city?

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

Mashiko is very walkable. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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 Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Mashiko?

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

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

In Koh Chang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Mashiko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mashiko has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Mashiko?

In Koh Chang, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Mashiko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Mashiko?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Chang has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Mashiko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Koh Chang. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mashiko 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

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

Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

In July, Koh Chang is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 28°C (82°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Mashiko. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Mashiko. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 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 Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko 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 visitors come to Mashiko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mashiko can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Koh Chang is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Chang in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Mashiko averages at about 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 Mashiko during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mashiko for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 29°C (84°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

Mashiko 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 around the same amount of rain in April as Mashiko. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Koh Chang