A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Cheju (Jeju). 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.

Where Should I go: Koh Tarutao or Cheju (Jeju)?

Koh Tarutao

While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much more.

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Tarutao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Tarutao is $98, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koh Tarutao and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Tarutao $50
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Tarutao $100
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Koh Tarutao and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Koh Tarutao or Cheju (Jeju)? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Koh Tarutao


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $34
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Tarutao or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Tarutao change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Tarutao $28
    Cheju (Jeju) $17

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $14
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Tarutao $7.01
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju).

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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

Both Cheju (Jeju) 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.

In the summer, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju). Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (81°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round.

In October, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (81°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Cheju (Jeju). Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (80°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

Both Cheju (Jeju) 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.

In the spring, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Tarutao 29°C (85°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)