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

Should you visit Tokyo or Koh Tao?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Koh Tao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a high tech, high energy, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a beautiful, tropical, and popular island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Tokyo and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Koh Tao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tokyo. Although Tokyo and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Tokyo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tao is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Koh Tao is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes.

How is Tokyo different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tokyo or Koh Tao?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tokyo are world-renowned. 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 Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. 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 Tokyo or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Tokyo is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

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.

Is Tokyo or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

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.

Koh Tao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Tokyo or Koh Tao Better for Music?

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

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Tokyo. 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 Tao is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is great for its luxury resorts. However, Tokyo is not a resort destination.

Koh Tao is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Tokyo is not a resort destination.

Is Tokyo or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Tao a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tokyo or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is renowned for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Tao. 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.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Tokyo or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Koh Tao for the hiking trails. 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.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Koh Tao?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Tokyo draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

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.

Is Tokyo or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Tokyo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tokyo or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and Koh Tao make for a very good place to visit.

Tokyo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Tokyo or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Tokyo or Koh Tao Better for Students?

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

Tokyo is a great destination 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 Tao is not popular with students.

Is Tokyo or Koh Tao 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 Tao is not a good destination 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 Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Tokyo or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. 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 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Koh Tao?

Both Tokyo and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Tokyo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tokyo than Koh Tao. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Koh Tao 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 Tokyo or Koh Tao?

Because Tokyo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this tropical destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Tokyo or Koh Tao?

Because Tokyo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. 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.

Five days in Tokyo or Koh Tao?

Tokyo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tokyo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koh Tao is a fun place to experience. In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. Because Tokyo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this tropical destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in 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 Tokyo and Koh Tao, we can see that Tokyo 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 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 Tao.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Koh Tao?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 6030 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Koh Tao, 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 Tokyo or Koh Tao?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Tokyo is cooler than Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Tokyo or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Koh Tao. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Tokyo is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Should I visit Tokyo or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Koh Tao. The spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In April, Tokyo is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Tokyo