Which place is cheaper, Koh Lanta or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Lanta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Koh Lanta can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Koh Lanta?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Koh Lanta
Located on the southern coast of Thailand is a place populated by long beaches and diving hotspots. Consisting of several islands, Koh Lanta is a large island with nine beaches along the coast. The beautiful scenery makes this a quiet and relaxing spot for tourists. The crowds on this island tend to be older than the party-seekers on Ko Phi Phi so you'll find more activities like serene walks on the beach or travelers catching a sunset.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Koh Lanta $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Koh Lanta is $48. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Koh Lanta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Koh Lanta $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Koh Lanta $48
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Koh Lanta
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Koh Lanta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Koh Lanta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Koh Lanta $5.66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $99
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Lanta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Lanta:
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Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Lanta
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Lanta:
- One-Way Transfer from Koh Lanta to Krabi Town or Airport by Minivan: $11
- Pravate Transfer Lanta Island to Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Ao nang: $74
- Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel: $111
- Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer: $171
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Koh Lanta?
Prices for flights to both Koh Lanta and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Koh Lanta $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
Typical Food Prices in Koh Lanta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:
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Casual Breakfast$4.36
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Casual Lunch$7.36
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Casual Dinner$12
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Lanta
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Koh Lanta.
- Cooking Experience at Lanta Thai Cookery School From Koh Lanta: $48
- Sukho Cuisine Thai Cooking School From Koh Lanta: $52
- Cooking Class and Market Tour at Lanta Thai Cookery School on Koh Lanta: $53
- Cooking Class & Market Tour with Thai Master Chef at Sukho Cuisine, Lanta: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Koh Lanta $31
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.12
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Lanta
Here are a few typical costs in Koh Lanta for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Emerald Cave Tour$19
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Yoga Session (1 Hour)$9.55
Tours and Activities in Koh Lanta
Here are a few actual costs in Koh Lanta for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half Day 2 Caves Ko Skull Tour Ko Lanta and Kayaking Ko Talabeng: $25
- Lanta 4 Islands + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour: $26
- Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat): $26
- 4 Island Tour to Emerald Cave by Longtail Boat from Koh Lanta: $28
- Half Day Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $29
- Tung Yee Peng Mangrove Forest Tour By Longtail Boat From Koh Lanta: $30
- Lanta Mangrove Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking at Koh Talabeng: $30
- Koh Ngai, Koh Muk + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour by Classic Longtail Boat: $32
- Sea Cave and Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $36
- Lanta Old Town and Mangrove Forest Sightseeing Tour: $40
- Snorkel Tour to Phi Phi Islands by Speed Boat from Koh Lanta: $42
- Koh Phi Phi Day Tour by Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Koh Lanta $3.79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Koh Lanta, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Koh Lanta 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 Lanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lanta 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Koh Lanta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Koh Lanta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Koh Lanta?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Koh Lanta, 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 Abu Dhabi or Koh Lanta?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Lanta in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Koh Lanta. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Lanta. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Lanta during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Koh Lanta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Koh Lanta averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Lanta in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Koh Lanta. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Koh Lanta. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Koh Lanta. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 181 hours of full sun.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Koh Lanta. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Lanta in the Winter?
Both Koh Lanta and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Lanta. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Lanta during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
Abu Dhabi is cooler than Koh Lanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Koh Lanta 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Lanta in the Spring?
Both Koh Lanta and Abu Dhabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round.
January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Koh Lanta. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Koh Lanta. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 249 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Lanta averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Koh Lanta 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Lanta and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Koh Lanta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 355 mm (14 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.