A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Dewa Sanzan for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Dewa Sanzan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a remote, beautiful, and undiscovered island. The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a sacred, remote, and traditional religious site. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Dewa Sanzan travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tarutao. Although Koh Tarutao and Dewa Sanzan are both popular with visitors, Koh Tarutao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Tarutao is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its museums and attractions. Dewa Sanzan is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting. It is also home to Crocodile Cave.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Koh Tarutao and Dewa Sanzan can be an enjoyable experience.

Koh Tarutao may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Dewa Sanzan offers some easy restaurants to choose from. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan offer decent nightlife.

Koh Tarutao doesn't offer many options. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tarutao is a very popular vacation destination. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koh Tarutao and Dewa Sanzan, and they are high quality.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan offer decent shopping options.

Shopping in Koh Tarutao can be found for those interested. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan More Beautiful?

Koh Tarutao is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Dewa Sanzan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Koh Tarutao is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Koh Tarutao is a family-friendly island. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly island. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Dewa Sanzan is a good island for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao and Dewa Sanzan are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Koh Tarutao and Dewa Sanzan.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Public transit is generally limited in Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Koh Tarutao and Dewa Sanzan are decent when it comes to walkability.

Koh Tarutao is generally not a very walkable island. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Tarutao Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Tarutao and Dewa Sanzan. In our opinion, Koh Tarutao has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Koh Tarutao than Dewa Sanzan. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Tarutao. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the traditional religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the secluded destination of Koh Tarutao. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the religious destination of Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This religious site offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan?

The beautiful island of Koh Tarutao offers . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The traditional religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Koh Tarutao. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tarutao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the summer for the hiking.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Koh Tarutao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails during these months.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Dewa Sanzan can be very cold. In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Dewa Sanzan. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Koh Tarutao