A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, 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.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come to Koh Chang because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world renowned, majestic, and dramatic national park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park travel costs.

Koh Chang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Chang than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Chang is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions and hiking. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Koh Chang is well known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. Also, Koh Chang is famous for White Sand Beach.

How is Koh Chang different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park can be an interesting and educational experience. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Is the Food Better in Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Chang is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koh Chang is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Koh Chang has a few options to choose from. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

People don't go to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the nightlife.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

Koh Chang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Koh Chang. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Chang. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Koh Chang is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Koh Chang has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park More Beautiful?

Koh Chang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park both are comparable with their fantastic scenery and beauty.

Koh Chang is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

The famous beauty of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is one of the main draws. The national park is home to the world renowned Mount Fuji. This volcanic peak provides a striking backdrop for the region and has long been a spiritual retreat. Within the park you'll find pristine forest, dramatic lava caves, and timeless beauty.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Koh Chang is a very family-friendly destination. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very kid-friendly island. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Koh Chang makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Koh Chang is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great island to visit for backpackers. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Koh Chang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Koh Chang has some public transit options. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

You'll find some public transit in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Is Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Chang Worth Visiting? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Chang due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Chang than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Chang that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Chang than Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Chang.

One day in Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

The tranquil destination of Koh Chang offers nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums around the national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums around the world renowned destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Koh Chang is a fun place to experience. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Chang has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the dramatic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

You'll find food and nightlife around the serene island of Koh Chang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. One week 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Chang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Koh Chang is generally around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 28°C (82°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

In the winter, Koh Chang is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Chang in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Chang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the natural beauty.

In April, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 29°C (84°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets less rain in April than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Chang