A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Shiretoko National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park. 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. With stunning beauty, Koh Tarutao attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Shiretoko National Park travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Tarutao. Although Koh Tarutao and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations, Koh Tarutao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Tarutao is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Shiretoko National Park is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting. It is also well known for Crocodile Cave.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park offer quality museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Tarutao. 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.

Shiretoko National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Is the Food Better in Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Tarutao is a moderate island for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park. Peaceful evenings and relaxing in nature are the best way to pass the time here, not socializing in a bar.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park Better for Resorts?

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

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Tarutao are among the best in the world. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Shiretoko National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park?

Koh Tarutao is not a good place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of great scenery and beauty in both Koh Tarutao and Shiretoko National Park.

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

Shiretoko National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The park is among the most beautiful in Japan. It has a scenic natural setting that is particularly nice during the winter season.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Shiretoko National Park are nice 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 Shiretoko National Park. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Shiretoko National Park both great destinations for a couple.

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.

Couples visit Shiretoko National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

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

Koh Tarutao is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable remote,natural,scenic,pristine. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

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 Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Koh Tarutao than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find around the undiscovered island of Koh Tarutao. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Koh Tarutao is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park offers . 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people come for the beaches. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Shiretoko National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

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 Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Shiretoko National Park. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the winter. In January, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 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 Shiretoko National Park and Koh Tarutao