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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Matsue?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Matsue, 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 tranquil, scenic, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of Koh Chang is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Matsue

Matsue is a historic, quiet, and peaceful town. Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Matsue travel costs.

Koh Chang and Matsue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Matsue?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Chang. Although Koh Chang and Matsue are popular destinations, Koh Chang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Chang is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Matsue attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Matsue is more touristy than Koh Chang and is popular for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. It is also well known for White Sand Beach.

How is Koh Chang different from Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Matsue 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 Matsue can be an interesting and educational experience. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

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 Matsue? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Matsue 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 Matsue. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

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 Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is a island with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Koh Chang or Matsue Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a great destination for its resorts. However, Matsue 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.

Matsue is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is a island with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Chang has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Matsue Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Matsue 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.

Matsue is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Matsue Better for its Old Town?

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

Matsue is a good destination for visiting its old town. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Koh Chang does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Chang or Matsue Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is a island with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

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.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Matsue?

Matsue 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 Matsue. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

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 Matsue More Beautiful?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Chang is one of the main draws. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Is Koh Chang or Matsue Better for Families?

Koh Chang is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Chang is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Koh Chang or Matsue Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Matsue is a good island for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

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

Koh Chang is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Chang is a great island to visit for backpackers. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

Plenty of backpackers visit Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

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

Matsue 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 Matsue. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

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 Matsue a more walkable city?

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

Matsue is very walkable. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen 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 Matsue Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Matsue or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Matsue?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Chang. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Matsue. 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 Matsue?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the pretty destination of Matsue. 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 Matsue?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quiet town of Matsue. 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 Matsue?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Koh Chang. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Matsue 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 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 Matsue, we can see that Matsue 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 Matsue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Matsue 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 Matsue Expensive?.

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

Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?

Both Matsue and Koh Chang during the summer 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, many travelers come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).

In Matsue, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Chang often gets less sunshine than Matsue. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun.

Matsue 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 July than Matsue. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Matsue in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during autumn. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Matsue. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Matsue in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Matsue. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Matsue can be very cold during winter. Koh Chang is much warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Matsue in the Spring?

Both Matsue and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Matsue because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Koh Chang is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during spring. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In April, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Matsue. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Chang is June to October.

Typical Weather for Matsue and Koh Chang