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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Shanghai?

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 Shanghai. 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Tarutao and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Shanghai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai. Although Koh Tarutao and Shanghai are both popular with visitors, Shanghai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Shanghai is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Shanghai is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

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 Shanghai Better for Resorts?

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

Shanghai is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shanghai Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shanghai Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Koh Tarutao is a popular spot for hiking. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Shanghai?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Shanghai specifically to go shopping. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai Better for Families?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Couples visit Koh Tarutao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Shanghai is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shanghai Better for Students?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai a more walkable city?

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

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Shanghai?

In either Koh Tarutao or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than Koh Tarutao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Shanghai?

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.

Shanghai is a diverse port city where you can fill many days. 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 Shanghai?

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.

Shanghai is a trendy big city where you can fill many days. This port 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 Shanghai?

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.

Shanghai is a cosmopolitan port city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Shanghai?

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 Shanghai. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tarutao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tarutao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tarutao 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai than you might in Koh Tarutao.

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 Shanghai Expensive?.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Shanghai. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in July than Shanghai. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai 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 travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 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 Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai 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, many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Shanghai averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in January than Shanghai. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Shanghai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Shanghai 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 more rain than Shanghai. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 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 Shanghai and Koh Tarutao