A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Atami for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Atami?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Atami. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a remote, beautiful, and undiscovered island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

Atami

Atami is a authentic, overlooked, and nostalgic town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Koh Tarutao and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Atami?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atami. Although Koh Tarutao and Atami are both popular with visitors, Atami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atami is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Atami is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches. It is also home to Kinomiya Shrine. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Atami?

Atami is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Koh Tarutao or Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atami is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Atami is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Atami is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Atami. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Atami Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Atami is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Atami is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Atami Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is renowned for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Koh Tarutao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Koh Tarutao or Atami Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Atami?

Atami is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Atami has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Atami Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Atami are good family-friendly destinations.

Koh Tarutao is a family-friendly island. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Koh Tarutao or Atami Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Atami is a good island for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Koh Tarutao or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao and Atami are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Atami is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Atami has some public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Atami a more walkable city?

Atami is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Atami is a somewhat walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Tarutao Worth Visiting? and Is Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Tarutao or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Tarutao than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atami than Koh Tarutao 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 Atami.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Atami?

In Koh Tarutao, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the overlooked town of Atami. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Atami. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Atami?

Koh Tarutao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The overlooked town of Atami offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Atami?

You'll find around the remote destination of Koh Tarutao. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atami. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Atami, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Atami?

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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Atami in the Summer?

Both Atami and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Atami. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Koh Tarutao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Atami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Atami. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Atami in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Atami averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Atami. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Atami in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Atami. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Atami in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in April than Atami. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Atami and Koh Tarutao