A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shiretoko National Park vs. Koh Tao for Hiking, Backpackers, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a popular, laid back, and mellow island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Shiretoko National Park and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Shiretoko National Park and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Koh Tao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Tao is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Shiretoko National Park is known for its hiking. Koh Tao is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also home to Mango Bay Viewpoint. Shiretoko National Park is popular for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Shiretoko National Park different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao?

Neither Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao offer quality museums and landmarks.

Shiretoko National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Tao. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

Is the Food Better in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Dining out in Koh Tao is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Koh Tao offers plenty to do in the evening. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

Koh Tao is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Koh Tao specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Shiretoko National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Tao are among the best in the world. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Shiretoko National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Koh Tao is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Is the Shopping Better in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Shiretoko National Park and Koh Tao are both good destinations for the whole family.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly remote,natural,scenic,pristine. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Shiretoko National Park and Koh Tao are both superb to visit as a couple.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Koh Tao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Tao is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

Shiretoko National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Tao is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its walkability.

Koh Tao is a very walkable destination. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

For even more information, also check out Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Shiretoko National Park?

How long in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Shiretoko National Park. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Shiretoko National Park, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Shiretoko National Park 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 Tao.

One day in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao?

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the tropical island of Koh Tao. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao?

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Koh Tao is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao?

Shiretoko National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koh Tao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Shiretoko National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shiretoko National Park Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao?

Shiretoko National Park has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shiretoko National Park as well as Koh Tao. The summer months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In July, Shiretoko National Park is generally cooler than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Shiretoko National Park average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In the summer, Shiretoko National Park often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Shiretoko National Park usually gets less rain in July than Koh Tao. Shiretoko National Park gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Shiretoko National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during autumn. Shiretoko National Park gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In October, Shiretoko National Park usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Shiretoko National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November.

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao and Shiretoko National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. In the winter, Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shiretoko National Park in January average around -6°C (20°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Shiretoko National Park often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Shiretoko National Park gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.

Shiretoko National Park usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Shiretoko National Park gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shiretoko National Park and Koh Tao. Many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the spring for the natural beauty. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Shiretoko National Park is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Shiretoko National Park average around 5°C (40°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. Shiretoko National Park usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Shiretoko National Park usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Shiretoko National Park gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Shiretoko National Park