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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Nagano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Nagano, 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Nagano

Nagano is a scenic, historic, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Koh Chang and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Nagano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagano. Although Koh Chang and Nagano are popular destinations, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Chang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Nagano is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also well known for Zenko-ji Temple. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nagano and Koh Chang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Koh Chang or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Koh Chang is not a skiing destination.

Nagano offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Koh Chang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Chang or Nagano?

Nagano 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 Nagano can be an interesting and educational experience. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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 Nagano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagano 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 Nagano. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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 Nagano Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagano has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

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 Nagano Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

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.

Nagano has a few great resort options. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

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

Koh Chang is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nagano 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.

Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Nagano Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is terrific for the beache. However, Nagano 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.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

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

Nagano is a good destination for visiting its old town. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Koh Chang does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Chang or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

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 Nagano?

Nagano 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 Nagano. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

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 Nagano Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Nagano are both high quality 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.

Nagano is a very kid-friendly island. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Is Koh Chang or Nagano Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Nagano is a good island for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

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

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

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Koh Chang or Nagano Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Koh Chang is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Koh Chang and Nagano.

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 Nagano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Koh Chang or Nagano a more walkable city?

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

Nagano is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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 Nagano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Chang and Nagano. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Chang than in Nagano. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

Families should spend more time in Nagano than Koh Chang. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nagano, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nagano than Koh Chang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nagano that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagano 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 Nagano.

One day in Koh Chang or Nagano?

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 skiing and nightlife around the city of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagano has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Nagano?

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 nightlife and food around the traditional destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nagano?

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 alpine city of Nagano. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic 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.

Nagano is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

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

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

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Koh Chang is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Koh Chang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano 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 Nagano. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Nagano. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Nagano. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 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 Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano 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 Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. Koh Chang is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Nagano. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano 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, the spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Koh Chang is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Nagano. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Koh Chang