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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Mashiko?

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 Mashiko. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a charming, traditional, and rural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Koh Tarutao and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Mashiko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mashiko. Although Koh Tarutao and Mashiko are popular destinations, Mashiko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mashiko is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mashiko is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. It is also well known for Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mashiko is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mashiko. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji 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 Mashiko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Mashiko is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

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 Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Mashiko is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Mashiko. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

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 Mashiko Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. 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.

Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Mashiko Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Koh Tarutao are among the best in 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.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a great island for hiking. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Mashiko?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

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 Mashiko Better for Families?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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 Mashiko Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Mashiko both great 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 Mashiko frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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

Koh Tarutao is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Mashiko 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.

Mashiko has some public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

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 Mashiko a more walkable city?

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

Mashiko is a very walkable destination. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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 Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Mashiko?

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Mashiko?

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 Mashiko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Mashiko?

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 Mashiko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

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 Mashiko Expensive?.

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

Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Mashiko in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Mashiko. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Mashiko averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Mashiko. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 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 Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mashiko in the winter. In January, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko 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. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the small town charm.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Mashiko in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Mashiko 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 around the same amount of rain in April as Mashiko. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 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 Mashiko and Koh Tarutao