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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Nagoya?

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 Nagoya. 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a often overlooked, under-the-radar, and under-rated city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Tarutao and Nagoya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Nagoya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagoya. Although Koh Tarutao and Nagoya are popular destinations, Nagoya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagoya 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. Nagoya is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. It is also well known for the Nagoya Castle. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Nagoya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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 Nagoya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagoya is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Nagoya, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

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 Nagoya Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagoya has a large number of nightlife venues. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

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 Nagoya Better for Resorts?

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

Nagoya is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Nagoya Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is very popular for the beach. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Nagoya Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Nagoya?

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

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 Nagoya Better for Families?

Nagoya is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Nagoya is very family-friendly. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

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 Nagoya Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

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

Koh Tarutao and Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Koh Tarutao or Nagoya Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nagoya. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Nagoya 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 Nagoya can get you to most places easily. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

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 Nagoya a more walkable city?

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

Nagoya is a very walkable destination. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached 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 Nagoya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagoya or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Nagoya?

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Nagoya?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Nagoya is a under-the-radar city where you can fill many days. Most people visit for the food. 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 Nagoya?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nagoya is a under-rated big city where you can fill many days. 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 Nagoya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The under-the-radar city of Nagoya 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 Nagoya?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the undiscovered destination of Koh Tarutao. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagoya. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. 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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

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

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

Nagoya 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 Nagoya in the Summer?

Both Nagoya 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 Nagoya for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Nagoya in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nagoya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Nagoya. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nagoya in the Autumn?

Both Nagoya 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 Nagoya in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Nagoya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagoya averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 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 Nagoya in the Winter?

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

Nagoya can be very cold during winter. In January, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Nagoya. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nagoya in the Spring?

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

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Nagoya in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Nagoya fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in April than Nagoya. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 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 Nagoya and Koh Tarutao