A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Hiroshima for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Samui or Hiroshima?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Hiroshima? 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 because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a meaningful, park-filled, and memorable city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Samui and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Hiroshima?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Hiroshima, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Samui is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hiroshima is more popular for its museums and shopping. Koh Samui is more touristy than Hiroshima and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Hiroshima is well known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Koh Samui different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hiroshima is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hiroshima has many famous sights for visitors. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and Hiroshima can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Koh Samui has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hiroshima makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

Is Koh Samui or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

Is Koh Samui or Hiroshima Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Samui or Hiroshima Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Hiroshima Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Hiroshima Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

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.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hiroshima. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

Koh Samui is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Koh Samui or Hiroshima Better for Families?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Koh Samui is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Koh Samui or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Is Koh Samui or Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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

Hiroshima is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for its public transit.

The public transit in Hiroshima can get you to most places easily. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

Koh Samui has a few public transit options. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Is Koh Samui or Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Hiroshima is a very walkable destination. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

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 Hiroshima Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Hiroshima?

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

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Hiroshima. 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 Hiroshima. 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 Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort island of Koh Samui. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Hiroshima. 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 Hiroshima?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the rainforest-covered destination of Koh Samui. 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 resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the memorable destination of Hiroshima. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Hiroshima?

You'll find nightlife and food around the lush resort island of Koh Samui. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort island has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the meaningful city of Hiroshima. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Samui or Hiroshima?

Koh Samui is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Samui, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Hiroshima is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima than you might in Koh Samui.

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 Hiroshima Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Hiroshima, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?

Both Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

Both Hiroshima 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the shopping scene.

In October, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 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 Hiroshima in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hiroshima in the winter. Koh Samui is much warmer than Hiroshima in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hiroshima. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Hiroshima in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Hiroshima. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Koh Samui is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 14°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Hiroshima. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Koh Samui