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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Sado?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Sado, 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 in Koh Chang as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a traditional, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path island. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Sado travel costs.

Koh Chang and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Sado?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Chang. Although Koh Chang and Sado are both popular with visitors, Koh Chang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Chang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Sado is known for its museums and attractions, food, and hiking. Koh Chang is more touristy than Sado and is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. It is also home to White Sand Beach. Sado is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Koh Chang different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sado 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 Sado can be an interesting and educational experience. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History 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 Sado? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sado 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 Sado. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

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 Sado Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is a popular place for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Koh Chang or Sado Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is notable for its resorts. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is a moderate island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Sado Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Sado is not a beach destination.

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.

Sado is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Sado Better for Hiking?

Sado 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 Sado. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

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 Sado?

Shoppers can find a variety of decent stores in both Koh Chang and Sado.

Koh Chang is a good destination for shopping. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Koh Chang or Sado More Beautiful?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Chang as well. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Chang or Sado Better for Families?

Koh Chang is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Sado is a family-friendly island. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Koh Chang or Sado Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

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

Koh Chang is notable for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Koh Chang is a popular place for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Koh Chang has a few 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Koh Chang or Sado a more walkable city?

Koh Chang is a moderate island for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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.

Sado is not a very walkable island. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Chang Worth Visiting? and Is Sado Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sado or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Sado?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Chang. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and museums around the island of Sado. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Sado?

Koh Chang is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and food around the traditional destination of Sado. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Koh Chang. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path island of Sado. 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 Sado?

The scenic island of Koh Chang offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Sado 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

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

Sado 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 Sado in the Summer?

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

Koh Chang is a little warmer than Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Koh Chang often gets less sunshine than Sado. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in July than Sado. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado 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 Sado because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Chang is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Chang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Sado during autumn. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In October, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Sado. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 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 Sado in the Winter?

Both Sado 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sado in the winter. In January, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 26°C (79°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the winter, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Sado. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun.

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Sado. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Sado in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Sado. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Sado during spring. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sado 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 more rain than Sado. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Sado and Koh Chang