A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tao vs. Sado for Backpackers, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Tao or Sado?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Tao or Sado, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a beautiful, tropical, and popular island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Tao as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a cultural, off-the-beaten-path, and traditional island. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food. See Sado travel costs.

Koh Tao and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tao or Sado?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Koh Tao and Sado are popular destinations, Koh Tao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Tao is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Sado attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Koh Tao is more touristy than Sado and is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also well known for Mango Bay Viewpoint. Sado is famous for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Koh Tao different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sado and Koh Tao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tao or Sado?

Sado is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sado can be an interesting and educational experience. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

Is the Food Better in Koh Tao or Sado? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Koh Tao and Sado can be an enjoyable experience.

Koh Tao has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

Dining out in Sado is an experience not to be missed. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Koh Tao or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is notable for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

Koh Tao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Koh Tao or Sado Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is notable for its resorts. However, Sado is not a resort destination.

Koh Tao is known as a popular and fun resort destination. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Sado is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tao or Sado Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sado is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Tao a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Sado is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Tao or Sado Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Sado is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Tao. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Sado is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tao or Sado Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao and Sado are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao for the hiking trails. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Sado is a popular spot for hiking. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tao or Sado?

Koh Tao is a popular place for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

Koh Tao is a great destination for shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Koh Tao or Sado More Beautiful?

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Tao as well. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.

Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tao or Sado Better for Families?

Koh Tao and Sado are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Koh Tao offers lots of family activities. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Sado is a family-friendly place to visit. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Koh Tao or Sado Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is notable for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Koh Tao or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Tao is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Koh Tao is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Koh Tao or Sado a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is notable for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

Koh Tao is very walkable. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

Sado is not a very walkable island. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting? and Is Sado Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sado or Koh Tao?

How long in Koh Tao or Sado?

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

Families should spend more time in Koh Tao than Sado. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Koh Tao, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Tao than Sado. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Tao that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Sado 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 Tao.

One day in Koh Tao or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Tao. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Sado, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Koh Tao or Sado?

Koh Tao is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Sado, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sado has to offer.

Five days in Koh Tao or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the laid back destination of Koh Tao. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Sado is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koh Tao or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical island of Koh Tao. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sado. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Sado. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki 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 Tao and Sado, we can see that Sado is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Sado would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sado than you might in Koh Tao.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Tao Expensive? and Is Sado Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Tao or Sado?

Sado has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tao or Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado and Koh Tao during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sado for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In the summer, Koh Tao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sado. Koh Tao gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun.

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. Koh Tao usually gets more rain in July than Sado. Koh Tao gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tao or Sado in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tao and Sado. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Koh Tao is much warmer than Sado in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tao averages around 24°C (76°F) in October, and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Koh Tao usually receives more sunshine than Sado during autumn. Koh Tao gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tao usually receives more rain than Sado. Koh Tao gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Koh Tao or Sado in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tao as well as Sado. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sado in the winter. In the winter, Koh Tao is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tao in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Sado averages at about 3°C (37°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Tao often gets more sunshine than Sado. Koh Tao gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Koh Tao usually gets less rain in January than Sado. Koh Tao gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Tao or Sado in the Spring?

Both Sado and Koh Tao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In April, Koh Tao is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Koh Tao average around 25°C (77°F), and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. Koh Tao usually receives more sunshine than Sado during spring. Koh Tao gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In April, Koh Tao usually receives less rain than Sado. Koh Tao gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.

Typical Weather for Sado and Koh Tao