A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Tarutao vs. Bangkok for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Bangkok?

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 Bangkok. 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 beautiful, undiscovered, and secluded island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a alluring, spirited, and colorful capital city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Tarutao and Bangkok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Bangkok?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bangkok than Koh Tarutao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bangkok is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Bangkok is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. Also, Bangkok is famous for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Koh Tarutao is well known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Bangkok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Bangkok has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

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 Bangkok? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Bangkok, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

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 Bangkok Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

The nightlife in Bangkok is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

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 Bangkok Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its resorts. However, Bangkok is not a resort destination.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. 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.

Bangkok is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Bangkok Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

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.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Bangkok Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Bangkok?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Bangkok specifically to go shopping. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

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 Bangkok Better for Families?

Bangkok is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bangkok. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Bangkok Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bangkok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

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

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

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bangkok, as it is a very popular capital city for budget travelers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

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

Bangkok 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.

Bangkok has some public transit options. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

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 Bangkok a more walkable city?

Koh Tarutao and Bangkok are respectable when it comes to walkability.

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

Bangkok is generally not very walkable. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangkok or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Bangkok?

Both Koh Tarutao and Bangkok have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than in Koh Tarutao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 2-7 days is enough time in Bangkok.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok 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 Bangkok.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Bangkok?

In Koh Tarutao, you'll find . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Bangkok is a vibrant capital city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Bangkok?

In Koh Tarutao, you'll find . 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Tarutao has to offer.

Bangkok is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This capital city 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 Bangkok?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

Bangkok is a vibrant capital city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Bangkok?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Many people enjoy the when visiting Koh Tarutao. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bangkok is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this capital city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, and The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Bangkok, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Koh Tarutao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tarutao than you might in Bangkok.

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 Bangkok Expensive?.

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Bangkok in the Summer?

Both Bangkok and Koh Tarutao during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.

Bangkok 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 July than Bangkok. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Bangkok. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bangkok averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Bangkok in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Bangkok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Bangkok. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Bangkok in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Bangkok. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.

Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in January than Bangkok. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Bangkok in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Bangkok fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Bangkok in the Spring?

Both Bangkok and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Bangkok. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Bangkok. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Bangkok averages at about 31°C (87°F).

Typical Weather for Bangkok and Koh Tarutao