A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Shiretoko National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park? 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 lush, laid back, and beautiful resort island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Koh Samui and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations, Koh Samui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Samui is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Koh Samui is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also well known for The Big Buddha Temple. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Koh Samui different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko National Park is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Samui is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Dining out in Koh Samui is an experience not to be missed. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Koh Samui just to party. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

Koh Samui offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Samui to enjoy 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Samui are among the best in the world. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park is an amazing remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for hiking. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Koh Samui is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park?

Koh Samui is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Samui to go 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Koh Samui is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Samui is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly resort island. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Shiretoko National Park make for a very good 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Is Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Koh Samui and Shiretoko National Park are very good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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

Koh Samui is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable remote,natural,scenic,pristine. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

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 Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Samui due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the tropical resort island of Koh Samui. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Koh Samui is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find around the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. 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 remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park?

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shiretoko National Park 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Koh Samui during the summer 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, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Samui is a little warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Also, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Koh Samui is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Shiretoko National Park. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In January, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the spring. Koh Samui is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In April, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Koh Samui