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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Kanazawa?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Kanazawa? 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. 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.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Koh Samui and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Kanazawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Koh Samui is more touristy than Kanazawa and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Koh Samui different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanazawa is a great city for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Kanazawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and Kanazawa can be difficult as they are each great 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, Kanazawa makes for a great culinary experience. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Is Koh Samui or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Koh Samui is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Koh Samui or Kanazawa Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Samui is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa has an old town worth visiting. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Samui or Kanazawa Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

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 Kanazawa More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanazawa is not a destination known for its 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.

Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Samui or Kanazawa Better for Families?

Koh Samui is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Koh Samui or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Koh Samui is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

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

Koh Samui is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Koh Samui or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Samui is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Koh Samui is not popular with students.

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

Koh Samui and Kanazawa both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Kanazawa has a few public transit options. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Koh Samui or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

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

Kanazawa is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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 Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Samui or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Samui than Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa.

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

The beautiful resort island of Koh Samui offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kanazawa. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kanazawa has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Kanazawa?

Koh Samui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the well-preserved destination of Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?

Koh Samui is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Samui, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Kanazawa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Samui or Kanazawa?

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Samui has to offer. This resort island offers something for everyone.

Kanazawa 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa 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, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa 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, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.

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

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 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 Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. Koh Samui is much warmer than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Kanazawa in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Koh Samui is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Koh Samui