A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nikko vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nikko and Koh Pha Ngan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nikko

Nikko is a relaxing, peaceful, and natural town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a funky, beautiful, and backpacker-friendly party island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nikko and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Nikko and Koh Pha Ngan are both popular with visitors, Koh Pha Ngan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Pha Ngan is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Nikko is known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Nikko and is popular for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. It is also home to the Full Moon Parties. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting.

How is Nikko different from Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Pha Ngan and Nikko. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Nikko that are not to be missed. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

While most people don't head to Koh Pha Ngan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors come of the natural beauty, outdoor sports, and hardcore parties more than the sights and museums. Kuan Yin Temple is worth visiting, as is Wat Pho and Wat Phu Khao Noi.

Is the Food Better in Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nikko is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nikko makes for a great culinary experience. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Koh Pha Ngan has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There is frequent turnover in the restaurant scene around town, but there are a few mainstay restaurants that offer consistent and reliable Thai or international cuisine. In general, the food is fresh and the typical Thai favorites are available most places. Also make sure you check out the Thong Sala Night Market, which offers unique snacks and local dishes.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Koh Pha Ngan is a world class party destination. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Nikko is not a resort destination.

Koh Pha Ngan has a handful of resorts to choose from. Much of the island caters to the backpacker crowd, but there are some luxury resorts to choose from as well. Many resorts take advantage of the beautiful nature on the island or intentionally prioritize a serene environment where you can relax by the pool.

Nikko is not a resort destination.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nikko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Koh Pha Ngan. The island has its share of dive shops and a nice underwater setting where you can see coral and a variety of marine life. The island doesn't draw the huge diving crowds like some of the other islands, but that isn't always a bad thing.

Nikko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

Koh Pha Ngan is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Nikko is revered around the world. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Both Nikko and Koh Pha Ngan are destinations which offer superb hiking.

Many visitors go to Nikko for the hiking trails. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular spot for hiking. In its interior, the island has beautiful jungle and impressive hikes. Some of the best hikes are found in Than Sadet National Park, but come prepared because they can often be challenging. They usually end with a breathtaking viewpoint, secluded beach, or stunning waterfall though.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

Nikko is very good for shopping. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Nikko is a great destination for shopping. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Pha Ngan has some nice offerings. Although shopping isn't particularly popular on the island, it does offer a unique opportunity to support individual shop owners as there are more independently owned vendors on this island than in many other areas. Head to the markets and you'll find the most independent shops to support.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Nikko is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Nikko is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

For families, Koh Pha Ngan is not always the best place to visit. Most people think of Full Moon Parties and backpacker crowds when they think of this island. There are actually some quieter areas on the eastern and northern sides of the island that are good for families. The activities are best suited for older kids and include hiking, windsurfing, yoga, and shopping.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Nikko is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Nikko has plenty to offer. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

Koh Pha Ngan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy partying, yoga retreats, and outdoor exploration will find something for them on this island. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as nice beaches and, of course, the wild parties.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Koh Pha Ngan. This island is synonymous with backpacker vibes and full moon parties. Head to the southern side of the island around Haad Rin and Ban Tai for the highest concentration of backpacker crowds. Like much of Thailand, there is frequent turnover in hostel ownership, so most reviews that you read online will be out of date. It's best to talk to people on the road to get the most up-to-date perspective.

Nikko is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nikko is well known for its public transit. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nikko. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Pha Ngan. Your best bet for getting around the island without a private vehicle is Songthaew taxi, longtail boats, and rental mopeds.

Is Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Nikko is well known for its walkability. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

Koh Pha Ngan is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible, and even enjoyable, to walk from place to place around the island but allow yourself a lot of time and bring water because temperatures can be very warm.

For even more information, also check out Is Nikko Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Nikko because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan than Nikko 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 Koh Pha Ngan.

One day in Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Koh Pha Ngan, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this high energy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This party 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.

A weekend in Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

Nikko is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Pha Ngan. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

Nikko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Koh Pha Ngan is a fun place to experience. In Koh Pha Ngan, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

Nikko is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the backpacker-friendly destination of Koh Pha Ngan. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nikko Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

Nikko has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Koh Pha Ngan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan?

Nikko has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Pha Ngan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nikko as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Many visitors come to Nikko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

Nikko is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Nikko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nikko usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Nikko gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Nikko are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Nikko is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nikko in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. It's quite rainy in Nikko. In October, Nikko usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Nikko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November.

Should I visit Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Nikko during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nikko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

The weather in Nikko can be very cold. In January, Nikko is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Nikko average around 3°C (37°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Nikko usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Nikko gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan.

Should I visit Nikko or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nikko and Koh Pha Ngan. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nikko this time of year. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Nikko is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Nikko averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nikko usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Nikko gets 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Nikko