A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a laid back, beautiful, and tropical resort island. Many visitors also come to Koh Samui because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a peaceful, relaxing, and natural national park. With stunning beauty, Chichibu-Tama-Kai attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Chichibu-Tama-Kai travel costs.

Koh Samui and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Chichibu-Tama-Kai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Samui is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more popular for its museums and attractions. Koh Samui is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is well known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Koh Samui different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Chichibu-Tama-Kai specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Samui is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Koh Samui. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole-in-the-wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not-to-be-missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Koh Samui is a world class party destination. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

People don't go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the nightlife. Soaking up the natural beauty is what brings people here, not the nightlife.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a resort destination.

Koh Samui is a world class resort vacation destination. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Samui is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Koh Samui is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Koh Samui and Chichibu-Tama-Kai both have excellent trails.

Many visitors go to Koh Samui for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Koh Samui is a resort island with good options for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Koh Samui. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Samui because of it's amazing beauty. It's laid back vibe and quintessential beach setting make this a wonderful holiday destination. It's the second largest island in Thailand and there are resorts, hotels, and restaurants for everyone.

The beauty of Chichibu-Tama-Kai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This park is perfectly positioned to offer a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. It's filled with beautiful forests and serene hiking trails that make for a wonderful day away.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Samui. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Chichibu-Tama-Kai make for a excellent place to visit.

Koh Samui is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Samui is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Koh Samui is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Samui is a resort island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Koh Samui offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable destination. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Koh Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Samui than Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Samui than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Samui.

One day in Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Koh Samui, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chichibu-Tama-Kai has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With shopping and nightlife around the rainforest-covered resort island of Koh Samui, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the peaceful destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Koh Samui, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this resort island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the natural national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Koh Samui is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samui experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 25°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Koh Samui during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. Koh Samui is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Koh Samui is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Koh Samui