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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Yokohama?

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 Yokohama. 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 beautiful, undiscovered, and secluded island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a diverse, bright, and colorful 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 Yokohama: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Yokohama?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yokohama than Koh Tarutao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yokohama is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yokohama is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. Also, Yokohama is famous for the Yokohama Chinatown. Koh Tarutao is well known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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 Yokohama? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Yokohama has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

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 Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

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

Yokohama has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

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 Yokohama Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its resorts. However, Yokohama is not a resort destination.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. 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.

Yokohama is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Yokohama Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is terrific for its beaches. However, Yokohama is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Tarutao are among the best in 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.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Yokohama Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Yokohama?

Yokohama 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 Yokohama. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

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 Yokohama Better for Families?

Yokohama 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, Yokohama is very family-friendly. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

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 Yokohama Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Yokohama both great 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 Yokohama frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

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

Koh Tarutao and Yokohama are both notable 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 Yokohama. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Koh Tarutao or Yokohama Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama can get you to most places easily. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

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 Yokohama a more walkable city?

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

Yokohama is a very walkable destination. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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 Yokohama Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yokohama or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Yokohama?

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

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Yokohama?

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.

Yokohama is a laid-back city where you can fill many days. 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 Yokohama?

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.

Yokohama is a laid-back 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 Yokohama?

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 laid-back city of Yokohama 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 Yokohama?

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 Yokohama. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama in the Summer?

Both Yokohama and Koh Tarutao during the summer 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, most visitors come to Yokohama for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Yokohama. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Yokohama averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Yokohama 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 July than Yokohama. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Yokohama in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Yokohama. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Yokohama. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Yokohama fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Yokohama. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Yokohama in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Yokohama. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Yokohama in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Yokohama fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Koh Tarutao usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Yokohama. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Yokohama in the Spring?

Both Yokohama and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Yokohama for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Yokohama. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Yokohama averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Yokohama. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October.

Typical Weather for Yokohama and Koh Tarutao