A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Matsue for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Matsue?

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 Matsue. 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 beautiful, undiscovered, and secluded island. The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Matsue

Matsue is a peaceful, pretty, and serene town. With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Matsue travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Matsue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Matsue?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Matsue. Although Koh Tarutao and Matsue are both popular with visitors, Matsue has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Matsue is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Matsue is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. It is also home to the Matsue Castle. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Matsue 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 Matsue?

Matsue is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Matsue. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

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 Matsue? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Matsue is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Matsue has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Matsue is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Matsue. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Matsue Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its resorts. However, Matsue 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.

Matsue is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Matsue Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Tarutao is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Matsue is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Matsue Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Tarutao does not have a historic old town.

Matsue has an old town worth visiting. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Koh Tarutao does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Tarutao or Matsue Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Matsue?

Matsue is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Matsue has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Matsue More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of very good scenery and beauty in both Koh Tarutao and Matsue.

With stunning beauty, Koh Tarutao attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Is Koh Tarutao or Matsue Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Matsue are good family-friendly destinations.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Matsue. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Koh Tarutao or Matsue Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Koh Tarutao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Matsue is a good island for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

Is Koh Tarutao or Matsue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao and Matsue 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 Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

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

Matsue is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Matsue can get you to most places easily. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

Public transit is generally 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Matsue a more walkable city?

Matsue is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Matsue is a very walkable destination. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Matsue or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Matsue?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Matsue than Koh Tarutao 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 Matsue.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Matsue?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic town of Matsue. 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 Matsue?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Matsue. This town 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 Matsue?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The peaceful town of Matsue offers museums and food. 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 Matsue?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the secluded destination of Koh Tarutao. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Matsue. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Matsue, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Matsue.

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 Matsue Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Matsue?

Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?

Both Matsue and Koh Tarutao during the summer 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, the summer months attract visitors to Matsue because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Matsue. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Matsue 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 around the same amount of rain in July as Matsue. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Matsue in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Matsue. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Matsue in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Matsue. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Matsue. In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Matsue in the Spring?

Both Matsue and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Matsue. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October.

Typical Weather for Matsue and Koh Tarutao