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

Should you visit Koh Pha Ngan or Sado?

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 Pha Ngan and Sado can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a tropical, party-oriented, and high energy party island. Koh Pha Ngan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a traditional, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path island. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums. See Sado travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Pha Ngan or Sado?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Koh Pha Ngan and Sado are both popular with visitors, Koh Pha Ngan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Pha Ngan is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Sado is known for its museums and attractions and food. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Sado and is known for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. It is also home to the Full Moon Parties. Sado is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Koh Pha Ngan different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Pha Ngan or Sado?

Sado is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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

While most people don't head to Koh Pha Ngan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors come of the natural beauty, outdoor sports, and hardcore parties more than the sights and museums. Kuan Yin Temple is worth visiting, as is Wat Pho and Wat Phu Khao Noi.

Is the Food Better in Koh Pha Ngan or Sado? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sado is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sado makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Koh Pha Ngan has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There is frequent turnover in the restaurant scene around town, but there are a few mainstay restaurants that offer consistent and reliable Thai or international cuisine. In general, the food is fresh and the typical Thai favorites are available most places. Also make sure you check out the Thong Sala Night Market, which offers unique snacks and local dishes.

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Koh Pha Ngan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.

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

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Sado Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place for its resorts. However, Sado is not a resort destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a handful of resorts to choose from. Much of the island caters to the backpacker crowd, but there are some luxury resorts to choose from as well. Many resorts take advantage of the beautiful nature on the island or intentionally prioritize a serene environment where you can relax by the pool.

Sado is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Sado Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sado is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a few good snorkeling spots. The island has its share of dive shops and a nice underwater setting where you can see coral and a variety of marine life. The island doesn't draw the huge diving crowds like some of the other islands, but that isn't always a bad thing.

Sado is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Sado Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.

Sado is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Sado Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Koh Pha Ngan and Sado.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Pha Ngan. In its interior, the island has beautiful jungle and impressive hikes. Some of the best hikes are found in Than Sadet National Park, but come prepared because they can often be challenging. They usually end with a breathtaking viewpoint, secluded beach, or stunning waterfall though.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Pha Ngan or Sado?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sado and Koh Pha Ngan.

Koh Pha Ngan is a good destination for shopping. Although shopping isn't particularly popular on the island, it does offer a unique opportunity to support individual shop owners as there are more independently owned vendors on this island than in many other areas. Head to the markets and you'll find the most independent shops to support.

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 Pha Ngan or Sado More Beautiful?

Koh Pha Ngan is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Pha Ngan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.

Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Sado Better for Families?

Sado is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sado. 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.

For families, Koh Pha Ngan is not always the best place to visit. Most people think of Full Moon Parties and backpacker crowds when they think of this island. There are actually some quieter areas on the eastern and northern sides of the island that are good for families. The activities are best suited for older kids and include hiking, windsurfing, yoga, and shopping.

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Sado Better for Couples?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Sado are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Koh Pha Ngan is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy partying, yoga retreats, and outdoor exploration will find something for them on this island. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as nice beaches and, of course, the wild parties.

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 Pha Ngan or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Pha Ngan is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This island is synonymous with backpacker vibes and full moon parties. Head to the southern side of the island around Haad Rin and Ban Tai for the highest concentration of backpacker crowds. Like much of Thailand, there is frequent turnover in hostel ownership, so most reviews that you read online will be out of date. It's best to talk to people on the road to get the most up-to-date perspective.

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

Koh Pha Ngan is a moderate party island for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Pha Ngan. Your best bet for getting around the island without a private vehicle is Songthaew taxi, longtail boats, and rental mopeds.

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 Pha Ngan or Sado a more walkable city?

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

Koh Pha Ngan is somewhat walkable. It's possible, and even enjoyable, to walk from place to place around the island but allow yourself a lot of time and bring water because temperatures can be very warm.

Sado is not a very walkable party 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 Pha Ngan Worth Visiting? and Is Sado Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sado or Koh Pha Ngan?

How long in Koh Pha Ngan or Sado?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan.

One day in Koh Pha Ngan or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Pha Ngan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Sado, many people enjoy the museums and food that this traditional island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Koh Pha Ngan or Sado?

Koh Pha Ngan is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Sado is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Pha Ngan or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the funky destination of Koh Pha Ngan. This party island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and food around the cultural destination of Sado. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Koh Pha Ngan or Sado?

The funky party island of Koh Pha Ngan offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 Pha Ngan and Sado, we can see that Sado is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Pha Ngan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Pha Ngan or Sado?

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

Should I visit Koh Pha Ngan or Sado in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Pha Ngan and Sado. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Pha Ngan is around the same temperature as Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Pha Ngan averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Sado receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Pha Ngan usually receives less rain than Sado. Koh Pha Ngan gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Pha Ngan or Sado in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Pha Ngan as well as Sado. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

In the autumn, Koh Pha Ngan is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Pha Ngan in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Sado. Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Pha Ngan usually gets more rain in October than Sado. Koh Pha Ngan gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. October and November in Koh Pha Ngan is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Pha Ngan or Sado in the Winter?

Both Sado and Koh Pha Ngan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sado. In January, Koh Pha Ngan is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Koh Pha Ngan average around 22°C (72°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In January, Koh Pha Ngan usually receives less rain than Sado. Koh Pha Ngan gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March.

Should I visit Koh Pha Ngan or Sado in the Spring?

Both Sado and Koh Pha Ngan during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Koh Pha Ngan is much warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Pha Ngan averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Pha Ngan usually gets less rain in April than Sado. Koh Pha Ngan gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sado and Koh Pha Ngan