A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Dewa Sanzan for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan? 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 rainforest-covered, lush, and laid back resort island. Koh Samui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a traditional, religious, and sacred religious site. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Dewa Sanzan travel costs.

Koh Samui and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Dewa Sanzan are both popular with visitors, Koh Samui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Samui is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its museums and attractions. Koh Samui is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to The Big Buddha Temple. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Koh Samui different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Samui is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Koh Samui has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Koh Samui is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Koh Samui is a perfect choice. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Koh Samui. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Samui is a very popular vacation 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Koh Samui and Dewa Sanzan both have great 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular spot for hiking. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan?

Koh Samui is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Samui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Koh Samui is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Samui is very family-friendly. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly resort island. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Koh Samui is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Koh Samui makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a good resort island for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Samui is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Koh Samui. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Samui is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Koh Samui has some public transit options. 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 Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Koh Samui and Dewa Sanzan are decent when it comes to walkability.

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

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the rainforest-covered resort island of Koh Samui. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums around the religious site of Dewa Sanzan. 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 Samui or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the rainforest-covered destination of Koh Samui. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This resort island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums around the remote destination of Dewa Sanzan. 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 religious site has to offer. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful resort island of Koh Samui. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the traditional religious site of Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Samui. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this resort island.

Dewa Sanzan 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking.

In July, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Dewa Sanzan. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails.

Koh Samui is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Dewa Sanzan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Koh Samui is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

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

In April, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Koh Samui