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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo. 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a eclectic, cutting edge, and high tech 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Koh Tarutao and Tokyo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Tokyo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo. Although Koh Tarutao and Tokyo are popular destinations, Tokyo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tokyo is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Tokyo is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also well known for The Sensō-ji Temple. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Tokyo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tokyo 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, Tokyo has many famous sights for visitors. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Tokyo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

The nightlife in Tokyo is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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 Tokyo Better for Music?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Koh Tarutao is not a live music destination.

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Koh Tarutao is not a live music destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Tokyo Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Tokyo Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is renowned for the beach. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Tokyo Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is great for hiking. However, Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

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.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Tokyo?

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

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo Better for Families?

Tokyo 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, Tokyo is very family-friendly. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Tokyo 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 Tokyo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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

Koh Tarutao and Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Koh Tarutao or Tokyo Better for Students?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors in Tokyo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo a more walkable city?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tokyo. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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 Tokyo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Tokyo?

Both Koh Tarutao and Tokyo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Koh Tarutao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 3-7 days is enough time in Tokyo.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Tokyo?

In Koh Tarutao, many people enjoy the that this remote destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Tokyo is a eclectic 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 Tokyo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Tokyo is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Tokyo?

Koh Tarutao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Tokyo is a high tech 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 Tokyo?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Koh Tarutao. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Tokyo is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Tokyo. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Tokyo. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 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 Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo 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, most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 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 Tokyo and Koh Tarutao