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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Matsue?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Matsue? 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Matsue

Matsue is a pretty, serene, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Koh Samui and Matsue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Matsue?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Matsue are both popular with visitors, Koh Samui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Samui is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Matsue is known for its museums and historical sights. Koh Samui is more touristy than Matsue and is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to The Big Buddha Temple. Matsue is popular for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere.

How is Koh Samui different from Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Matsue offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and Matsue 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, Matsue makes for a great culinary experience. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

Is Koh Samui or Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal 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.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Koh Samui or Matsue Better for Resorts?

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

Matsue is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Samui is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Matsue 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.

Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Matsue Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Matsue 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.

Matsue is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Matsue Better for its Old Town?

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

Matsue has an old town worth visiting. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Samui or Matsue Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Samui. 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.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Matsue?

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Samui and Matsue both offer plenty of good spots.

Koh Samui has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Matsue is a great destination for shopping. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Is Koh Samui or Matsue Better for Families?

Koh Samui is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Samui is a very kid-friendly resort island. 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.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Koh Samui or Matsue Better for Couples?

Koh Samui is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Koh Samui frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Matsue is a good resort island for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

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

Koh Samui is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Samui is a great resort island to visit for backpackers. 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 Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

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

Matsue is a great town 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 Matsue can get you to most places easily. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

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 Matsue a more walkable city?

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

Matsue is a very walkable destination. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

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 Matsue Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Matsue or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Matsue?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Samui. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Matsue. 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 Matsue?

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Koh Samui or Matsue?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the pretty town of Matsue. 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 Matsue?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical destination of Koh Samui. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Matsue 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Matsue?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Matsue, 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 Matsue?

Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Matsue. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Matsue. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Matsue. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Matsue in the Autumn?

Both Matsue and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Matsue because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Samui is a little warmer than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Matsue. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Matsue in the Winter?

Both Matsue and Koh Samui during the winter 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

It's quite cold in Matsue in the winter. In the winter, Koh Samui is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Matsue in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the natural beauty.

In April, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Matsue. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Matsue and Koh Samui