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

Should you visit Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and skiing. See Sapporo travel costs.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a backpacker-friendly, tropical, and party-oriented party island. With stunning beauty, Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Pha Ngan travel costs.

Sapporo and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan than Sapporo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Pha Ngan is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Sapporo and is popular for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is famous for the Full Moon Parties. Sapporo is well known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival.

How is Sapporo 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 Sapporo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is well known for winter skiing. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Koh Pha Ngan is not a skiing destination.

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

Sapporo is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Sapporo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sapporo 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, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

People head to Koh Pha Ngan just to party. 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.

Sapporo offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

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

Koh Pha Ngan has a few great resort options. 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.

Sapporo is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Pha Ngan is a great party island for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Pha Ngan for the hiking trails. 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.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Sapporo is well known for shopping. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan More Beautiful?

Koh Pha Ngan is a great party island for its scenery and beauty. However, Sapporo is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors from all around. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.

Sapporo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

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

Sapporo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Sapporo is well known for romance. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Sapporo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Pha Ngan, as it is a very popular party island for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Students?

Sapporo is well known for students. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

Sapporo is very popular with students. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

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

Sapporo is very walkable. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Sapporo 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 Sapporo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sapporo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Pha Ngan.

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

Couples should spend more time in Sapporo than Koh Pha Ngan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Each neighborhood in Sapporo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This party island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Sapporo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the laid-back big city of Sapporo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Pha Ngan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Sapporo is a popular place to visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Pha Ngan. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Pha Ngan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to 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 Sapporo and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

In the summer, Sapporo is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sapporo in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Sapporo usually gets less rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Sapporo is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 11°C (52°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. It's quite rainy in Sapporo. In October, Sapporo usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Sapporo gets 116 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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

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

The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. Sapporo is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the winter. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around -5°C (24°F) in January, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. Sapporo usually gets more rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 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 Sapporo or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Koh Pha Ngan. The activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Sapporo is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sapporo in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).

In April, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 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 Sapporo