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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Nara?

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 Nara. 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 secluded, remote, and beautiful 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.

Nara

Nara is a cultural, traditional, and tranquil city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Koh Tarutao and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Nara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nara. Although Koh Tarutao and Nara are both popular with visitors, Nara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nara is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Nara is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. It is also home to Nara Park. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nara 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 Nara. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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 Nara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

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 Nara Better for Nightlife?

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

Nara has a large number of nightlife venues. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Nara Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Nara Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Nara Better for its Old Town?

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

Nara has an old town worth visiting. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Koh Tarutao does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Tarutao or Nara Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koh Tarutao and Nara, and they are superb.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Nara?

Nara 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 Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

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 Nara Better for Families?

Nara 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 Nara. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

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 Nara Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Nara both superb 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 Nara frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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

Koh Tarutao and Nara 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 Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

Nara 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 Nara can get you to most places easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara a more walkable city?

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

Nara is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring 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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Nara?

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

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Nara?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tranquil city of Nara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nara?

Koh Tarutao is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the tranquil destination of Nara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Nara?

You'll find around the secluded destination of Koh Tarutao. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The cultural city of Nara offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Nara?

The beautiful island of Koh Tarutao offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nara. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

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

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Nara. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Nara. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in July than Nara. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nara in the Autumn?

Both Nara and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Nara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Nara. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Koh Tarutao during the winter 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, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nara can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Nara averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Koh Tarutao usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nara. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Nara receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nara. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Typical Weather for Nara and Koh Tarutao