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

Should you visit Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a laid-back, park-filled, and snowy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Sapporo travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful 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.

Sapporo and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Koh Tao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sapporo. Although Sapporo and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Sapporo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tao is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park. Koh Tao is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes.

How is Sapporo different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Koh Tao Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is great for skiing. However, Koh Tao is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Sapporo. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Koh Tao is not a skiing destination.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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 Sapporo or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Sapporo and Koh Tao both to be high quality destinations.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Sapporo and Koh Tao.

The nightlife in Sapporo has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Koh Tao offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Sapporo or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

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

Sapporo is not a resort destination.

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

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

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sapporo or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

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

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is a great island for hiking. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Koh Tao?

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

Sapporo is well-known for its shopping. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

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 Sapporo or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

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

Sapporo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sapporo or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Sapporo 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, Sapporo is very family-friendly. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Both Sapporo and Koh Tao are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sapporo 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Sapporo or Koh Tao Better for Students?

Sapporo is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tao is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a great city to visit as a student. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Koh Tao is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo can get you to some places easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Sapporo and Koh Tao are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo 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 Sapporo Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Koh Tao?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Koh Tao?

Because Sapporo 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.

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 Sapporo or Koh Tao?

Because Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Koh Tao?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Sapporo. 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 Sapporo and Koh Tao, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Koh Tao?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 1360 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Koh Tao?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Sapporo is generally cooler than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 21°C (69°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Sapporo gets 179 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. In July, Sapporo usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sapporo or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Sapporo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Sapporo is much colder than Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In the autumn, Sapporo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao. Sapporo gets 156 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 Sapporo. Sapporo usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 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 Sapporo or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Koh Tao. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. In the winter, Sapporo is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sapporo in January average around -5°C (24°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. Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Sapporo gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 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 Sapporo or Koh Tao in the Spring?

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

In April, Sapporo is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 7°C (44°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, Sapporo often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Sapporo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Sapporo usually gets less rain in April than Koh Tao. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 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 Sapporo