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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa. 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. Koh Tarutao is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kanazawa than Koh Tarutao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kanazawa is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kanazawa is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Also, Kanazawa is famous for Kenroku-en Garden. Koh Tarutao is well known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanazawa is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Kanazawa. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

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 Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Kanazawa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

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 Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

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 Kanazawa Better for Resorts?

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

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tarutao is a very popular vacation 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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Tarutao does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa has an old town worth visiting. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Koh Tarutao does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

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 Kanazawa More Beautiful?

Koh Tarutao is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Tarutao is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

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

Koh Tarutao and Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa has some public transit options. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

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 Kanazawa a more walkable city?

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

Kanazawa is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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 Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Tarutao than Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa.

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa?

The beautiful island of Koh Tarutao offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa?

Koh Tarutao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Tarutao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the well-preserved destination of Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?

Koh Tarutao is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The well-preserved city of Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanazawa. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.

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

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Kanazawa 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 around the same amount of rain as Kanazawa. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Kanazawa. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Kanazawa. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 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 Kanazawa in the Winter?

Both Kanazawa 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, the winter months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kanazawa can be very cold. Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 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 Kanazawa and Koh Tarutao