A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mashiko vs. Koh Tao for Backpackers, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Mashiko or Koh Tao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Koh Tao, 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.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a rural, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking. See Mashiko travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a popular, laid back, and mellow island. Many visitors also come to Koh Tao because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Mashiko and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mashiko or Koh Tao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Mashiko and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Koh Tao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Tao is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Koh Tao is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also home to Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Mashiko different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mashiko or Koh Tao?

Mashiko is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Mashiko offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

Is the Food Better in Mashiko or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Tao is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koh Tao has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Mashiko or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a great island for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Koh Tao has something for everybody. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Mashiko or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Koh Tao is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Is Mashiko or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Koh Tao specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mashiko or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Tao are among the best in the world. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Mashiko or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is a great island for hiking. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao for the hiking trails. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Is the Shopping Better in Mashiko or Koh Tao?

Mashiko is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Mashiko is well-known for its shopping. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Mashiko or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Tao because of it's amazing beauty. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.

Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mashiko or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Mashiko is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Mashiko is very family-friendly. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Mashiko or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Mashiko and Koh Tao are both superb to visit as a couple.

Mashiko is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

Is Mashiko or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Tao, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Mashiko is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Mashiko offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Mashiko or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Mashiko and Koh Tao are superb when it comes to walkability.

Mashiko is a very walkable destination. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

Koh Tao is very walkable. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Mashiko Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Koh Tao?

Both Mashiko and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Mashiko. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mashiko, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Mashiko 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 Tao.

One day in Mashiko or Koh Tao?

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Koh Tao, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mashiko or Koh Tao?

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mashiko has to offer.

In Koh Tao, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Tao has to offer.

Five days in Mashiko or Koh Tao?

Mashiko is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koh Tao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Tao has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mashiko or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mashiko. Since Mashiko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. In Koh Tao, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Koh Tao?

Mashiko has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Mashiko and Koh Tao, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Mashiko or Koh Tao?

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

Should I visit Mashiko or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Mashiko are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Mashiko is generally around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Mashiko gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Mashiko. In July, Mashiko usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Mashiko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mashiko or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Mashiko during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Mashiko is much colder than Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In the autumn, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Mashiko gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. Mashiko usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Mashiko gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Mashiko or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mashiko and Koh Tao. Many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. In the winter, Mashiko is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mashiko in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Mashiko gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mashiko usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Mashiko gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Should I visit Mashiko or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mashiko as well as Koh Tao. Many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In April, Mashiko is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 12°C (53°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In the spring, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Mashiko gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mashiko usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Mashiko gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Mashiko