A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Shiretoko National Park for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park, 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 here as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Koh Chang and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Chang than Shiretoko National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Chang is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Shiretoko National Park is more popular for its hiking. Koh Chang is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. Also, Koh Chang is famous for White Sand Beach. Shiretoko National Park is well known for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Koh Chang different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Neither Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park offer quality museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Chang. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Shiretoko National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Is the Food Better in Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Chang is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Chang area. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a moderate island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Shiretoko National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

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 Shiretoko National Park?

Koh Chang is a moderate island for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Koh Chang has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Koh Chang is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Chang is known to be 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly island. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit 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.

Shiretoko National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Is Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang and Shiretoko National Park are both superb 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a great island to visit for backpackers. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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

Koh Chang is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

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

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

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 Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Chang due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

Families should spend more time in Koh Chang than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the serene island of Koh Chang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Koh Chang is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find around the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Most people head to the area for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Shiretoko National Park. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

In July, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 28°C (82°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Koh Chang often gets less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In October, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Koh Chang is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Chang in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about -6°C (20°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the winter, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during spring. In April, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 29°C (84°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during spring. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Koh Chang