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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Sado?

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 Sado. 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 secluded, remote, and beautiful island. Koh Tarutao is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a off-the-beaten-path, traditional, and cultural island. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Sado travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Sado?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sado than Koh Tarutao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sado is better known for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Sado is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis. Also, Sado is famous for . Koh Tarutao is well known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

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How is Koh Tarutao different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sado 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 Sado. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

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 Sado? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Sado has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

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 Sado Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Sado 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 Sado. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sado Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Sado is not a resort destination.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. 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.

Sado is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sado Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Sado is not a beach destination.

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

Sado is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sado Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koh Tarutao and Sado, and they are superb.

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 Sado. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Sado?

Sado is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Sado has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

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 Sado More Beautiful?

Koh Tarutao is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Tarutao is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sado Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Sado are notable 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 Sado. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sado Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is notable for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

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

Koh Tarutao and Sado are both notable 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 Sado. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Koh Tarutao is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Koh Tarutao or Sado a more walkable city?

Koh Tarutao is a moderate island for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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

Sado is not a very walkable island. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Sado?

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

Families should spend more time in Koh Tarutao than Sado. 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 Sado. 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 Sado?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the traditional island of Sado. 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 Sado?

Koh Tarutao is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Sado. 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.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Sado?

You'll find around the secluded destination of Koh Tarutao. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The traditional island of Sado offers food and 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 Sado?

The undiscovered island of Koh Tarutao offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Sado. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Sado, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Sado.

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 Sado Expensive?.

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

Sado 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 Sado in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Sado. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sado averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Sado. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in July than Sado. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sado in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Sado. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Sado in the Winter?

Both Sado and Koh Tarutao during the winter 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 Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sado can be very cold during winter. Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Sado in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in January than Sado. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Sado in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Sado. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round.

In the spring, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Sado averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Sado receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Sado. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Typical Weather for Sado and Koh Tarutao