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

Should you visit Matsue or Koh Tao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Matsue and Koh Tao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Matsue

Matsue is a historic, quiet, and peaceful town. The beauty of Matsue is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Matsue travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. The famous beauty of Koh Tao is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Matsue and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Matsue or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Matsue, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Matsue is more popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Matsue is well known for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Koh Tao is well known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Also, Koh Tao is famous for Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Matsue different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Matsue is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Matsue can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 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 Matsue or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Matsue and Koh Tao can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Matsue. 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 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.

Is Matsue or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Koh Tao know how to have a good time. 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.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

Is Matsue or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a great destination for its resorts. However, Matsue is not a resort destination.

In Koh Tao, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Matsue is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Tao is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Matsue or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Tao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Matsue is not a beach destination.

Is Matsue or Koh Tao Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Matsue. 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 Tao does not have a historic old town.

Is Matsue or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao 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 Tao. 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.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Koh Tao?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Koh Tao and Matsue.

Matsue offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Tao has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Matsue or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Tao is one of the main draws. 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.

With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Is Matsue or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Both Matsue and Koh Tao are notable to visit with kids.

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.

Koh Tao offers lots of family activities. 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 Matsue or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

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

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

Matsue is a good town 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 Matsue or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Koh Tao. 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.

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

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

Matsue is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Matsue can get you to some 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 Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Matsue or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Matsue and Koh Tao both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Matsue is a very walkable town. 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 Tao is a very walkable destination. 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 Matsue Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Koh Tao?

Both Matsue 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 Matsue. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Matsue, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Tao than Matsue. 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 Matsue 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 Matsue or Koh Tao?

In Matsue, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Tao. 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.

A weekend in Matsue or Koh Tao?

In Matsue, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Matsue has to offer.

Koh Tao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Matsue or Koh Tao?

Matsue 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Matsue or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Matsue. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Matsue. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Koh Tao. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures 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 Matsue and Koh Tao, we can see that Matsue 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 Matsue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Matsue 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 Matsue Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Matsue or Koh Tao?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Matsue 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 Matsue or Koh Tao?

Matsue 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 Matsue or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Matsue during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Matsue is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Matsue. In the summer, Matsue often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 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 Matsue. Matsue usually gets more rain in July than Koh Tao. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Matsue or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Koh Tao. The autumn months attract visitors to Matsue because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Matsue is cooler than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Matsue in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Matsue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during autumn. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Matsue usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Matsue or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Koh Tao. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Matsue this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Matsue in the winter. In January, Matsue is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 4°C (39°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In the winter, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. Matsue usually gets more rain in January than Koh Tao. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Should I visit Matsue or Koh Tao in the Spring?

Both Koh Tao and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Matsue for the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Matsue is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Matsue gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. In April, Matsue usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Matsue