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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Matsue?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Matsue can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a tranquil, idyllic, and small island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Matsue

Matsue is a serene, historic, and quiet town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Lipe and Matsue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Matsue?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lipe. Although Koh Lipe and Matsue are popular destinations, Koh Lipe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Lipe is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Matsue attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Matsue is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is known for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Koh Lipe is famous for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. It is also well known for Sunrise Beach.

How is Koh Lipe different from Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lipe or Matsue?

Matsue is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Matsue specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lipe or Matsue? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Matsue is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Matsue makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Koh Lipe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Is Koh Lipe or Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Matsue is a town with a few options for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Matsue is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Matsue Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a great destination for its resorts. However, Matsue is not a resort destination.

In Koh Lipe, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Matsue is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Lipe is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Matsue Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Matsue is not a beach destination.

Koh Lipe is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

Matsue is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Matsue Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is very good for its historic old town. However, Koh Lipe does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Matsue to see the historical 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 Lipe does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lipe or Matsue Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Matsue?

Matsue is very good for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Matsue is a great destination for shopping. 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 Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Is Koh Lipe or Matsue Better for Families?

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe is a very kid-friendly island. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

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 Lipe or Matsue Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lipe is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

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 Lipe or Matsue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lipe and Matsue are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lipe is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

It's common for backpackers to visit Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

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

Matsue is a great destination for its public transit. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Matsue can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Is Koh Lipe or Matsue a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe and Matsue both are superb when exploring on foot.

Koh Lipe is very walkable. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

Matsue is a very walkable island. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Lipe Worth Visiting? and Is Matsue Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Matsue or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Matsue?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lipe and Matsue. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe than in Matsue. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 2-3 days is enough time in Matsue.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Matsue than Koh Lipe 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 Matsue.

One day in Koh Lipe or Matsue?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Koh Lipe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful town of Matsue offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Koh Lipe or Matsue?

Koh Lipe is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Matsue is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Matsue, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Matsue?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Matsue is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Koh Lipe or Matsue?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the small destination of Koh Lipe. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Matsue is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 Lipe and Matsue, we can see that Koh Lipe is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Koh Lipe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Lipe than you might in Matsue.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Lipe Expensive? and Is Matsue Expensive?.

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

Matsue has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Lipe experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Matsue in the Summer?

Both Matsue and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lipe in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In July, Koh Lipe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Matsue. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Matsue in the Autumn?

Both Matsue and Koh Lipe during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lipe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in October than Matsue. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Koh Lipe. May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Matsue in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Matsue because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Matsue can be very cold. Koh Lipe is much warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Koh Lipe usually receives less rain than Matsue. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Matsue in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Matsue. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

In the spring, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lipe in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lipe usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Matsue. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. May to October in Koh Lipe is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Matsue and Koh Lipe