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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Shanghai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Shanghai, 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. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Shanghai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Shanghai travel costs.

Koh Chang and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Shanghai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai. Although Koh Chang and Shanghai are popular destinations, Shanghai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shanghai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Chang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Shanghai is more touristy than Koh Chang and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is very popular for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Shanghai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Shanghai have nice 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.

Shanghai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Koh Chang or Shanghai Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is notable for its resorts. However, Shanghai is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Chang to choose from. 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.

Shanghai is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Chang is a moderate island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Shanghai Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Chang offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Shanghai Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is a moderate island for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Shanghai?

Shanghai is very popular for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Shanghai. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai More Beautiful?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

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

With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Is Koh Chang or Shanghai Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Shanghai are both great 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.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly island. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Is Koh Chang or Shanghai Better for Couples?

Koh Chang and Shanghai are both world-class to visit as a couple.

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.

Shanghai is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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

Koh Chang and Shanghai are both great destinations 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.

Shanghai is a great island to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Koh Chang or Shanghai Better for Students?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Chang is not popular with students.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit as a student. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Koh Chang is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai a more walkable city?

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

Shanghai is very walkable. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Shanghai?

In either Koh Chang or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Shanghai has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Shanghai than Koh Chang. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

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

One day in Koh Chang or Shanghai?

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.

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. 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 Shanghai?

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.

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Shanghai?

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.

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

A week in Koh Chang or Shanghai?

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.

Shanghai 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Shanghai. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In the summer, Koh Chang often gets less sunshine than Shanghai. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in July than Shanghai. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai 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, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Koh Chang is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during autumn. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In October, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 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 Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai 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 winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the winter, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Shanghai. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Shanghai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

In the spring, Koh Chang is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai 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 Shanghai and Koh Chang