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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Koh Tarutao and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Koyasan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koyasan. Although Koh Tarutao and Koyasan are both popular with visitors, Koyasan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koyasan is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. It is also home to Kongobu-ji Head Temple. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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 Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

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 Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Koyasan offer decent nightlife.

Koh Tarutao doesn't offer many options. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koyasan. This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koyasan Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its resorts. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koyasan Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Koh Tarutao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Tarutao does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Koh Tarutao does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Koyasan?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koyasan Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Koyasan 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 Koyasan. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Koyasan both excellent destinations for a couple.

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.

Couples visit Koyasan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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

Koh Tarutao and Koyasan 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 Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Koyasan 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.

Koyasan has some public transit options. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

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

Koyasan is a very walkable destination. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore 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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Koyasan?

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

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Koyasan?

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.

Because Koyasan is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Koyasan?

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.

Since Koyasan is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

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 Koyasan Expensive?.

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan 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. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Koyasan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Koyasan 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 Koyasan. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 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.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Koyasan. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Koyasan averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in January than Koyasan. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan 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. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 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.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Koh Tarutao