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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Koh Tao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a colorful, cultural, and dynamic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sao Paulo or Koh Tao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sao Paulo. Although Sao Paulo and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Sao Paulo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sao Paulo is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tao is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Tao is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Sao Paulo is popular for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also home to Ibirapuera Park.

How is Sao Paulo different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sao Paulo is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Sao Paulo are world-renowned. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

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 Sao Paulo or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Sao Paulo and Koh Tao both to be superb destinations.

Sao Paulo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Koh Tao makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Sao Paulo or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Sao Paulo is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

Koh Tao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Sao Paulo or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is a great island for hiking. However, Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

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.

Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sao Paulo or Koh Tao?

Sao Paulo is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Sao Paulo draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

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 Sao Paulo or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sao Paulo or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Sao Paulo and Koh Tao are both good destinations for the whole family.

Sao Paulo offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

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 Sao Paulo or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is a great island for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Koh Tao is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is Sao Paulo or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Sao Paulo or Koh Tao Better for Students?

Sao Paulo is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tao is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Koh Tao is not popular with students.

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

Sao Paulo is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors in Sao Paulo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

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 Sao Paulo or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo and Koh Tao are superb when it comes to walkability.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

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 Sao Paulo Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Sao Paulo?

How long in Sao Paulo or Koh Tao?

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

Families should spend more time in Koh Tao than Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Koh Tao?

Because Sao Paulo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Koh Tao. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sao Paulo or Koh Tao?

Because Sao Paulo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Sao Paulo has to offer.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the popular destination of Koh Tao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sao Paulo or Koh Tao?

Sao Paulo 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful island of Koh Tao. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Sao Paulo or Koh Tao?

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

Koh Tao is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Tao, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Koh Tao, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sao Paulo is in South America and Koh Tao is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Sao Paulo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Koh Tao?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 7250 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Koh Tao?

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city activities 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 January, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Koh Taoin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Taoin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in October.

Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Koh Taoin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Koh Tao in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Sao Paulo is cooler than Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Koh Tao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Koh Tao. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the spring for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Koh Taoin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Koh Taoin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Sao Paulo