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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima?

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 Hiroshima. 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 undiscovered, secluded, and remote island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a meaningful, park-filled, and memorable city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Tarutao and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hiroshima than Koh Tarutao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hiroshima is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hiroshima is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. Also, Hiroshima is famous for Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Koh Tarutao is well known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hiroshima 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, Hiroshima has many famous sights for visitors. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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 Hiroshima? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Hiroshima has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

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 Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

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 Hiroshima Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a great island for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Tarutao for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hiroshima. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

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 Hiroshima Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Hiroshima are notable 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 Hiroshima. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is a great island for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Koh Tarutao is a great island if you're traveling as 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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

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

Koh Tarutao and Hiroshima are both notable 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 Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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

Hiroshima is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Hiroshima can get you to most places easily. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

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 Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Hiroshima is a very walkable destination. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

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 Hiroshima Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Tarutao and Hiroshima. In our opinion, Hiroshima has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hiroshima than Koh Tarutao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Tarutao than Hiroshima. 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 Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima?

You'll find around the island of Koh Tarutao. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the meaningful city of Hiroshima. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Hiroshima?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the park-filled destination of Hiroshima. This 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 Hiroshima?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Tarutao. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The meaningful city of Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima?

Koh Tarutao is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hiroshima. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima Expensive?.

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

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Hiroshima. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

In October, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Hiroshima. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (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.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima in the Winter?

Both Hiroshima and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hiroshima. Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Hiroshima in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hiroshima. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hiroshima in the Spring?

Both Hiroshima and Koh Tarutao during the spring 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 spring, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Hiroshima 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 less rain in April than Hiroshima. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 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.

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Koh Tarutao