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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki. 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 remote, beautiful, and undiscovered island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a authentic, welcoming, and interesting city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Tarutao and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagasaki. Although Koh Tarutao and Nagasaki are popular destinations, Nagasaki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagasaki is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nagasaki is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. It is also well known for the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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 Nagasaki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Nagasaki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

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 Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Nagasaki has a large number of nightlife venues. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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 Nagasaki Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki Better for Beaches?

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

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Tarutao. 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.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki?

Nagasaki is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Nagasaki has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

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 Nagasaki Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Nagasaki are nice 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 Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

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

Koh Tarutao and Nagasaki are both nice 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 Nagasaki. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki can get you to most places easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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 Nagasaki a more walkable city?

Nagasaki is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable city. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the 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 Nagasaki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki?

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki?

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 welcoming city of Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki?

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 authentic destination of Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki?

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 authentic city of Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

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

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

Both Nagasaki and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Nagasaki in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

Both Nagasaki and Koh Tarutao during the autumn 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 visitors come to Nagasaki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 20°C (67°F).

Nagasaki 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 October than Nagasaki. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 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.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Nagasaki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nagasaki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Nagasaki. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the activities around the city.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Nagasaki in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in April than Nagasaki. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 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.

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Koh Tarutao