Which place is cheaper, Koh Lanta or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Koh Lanta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Koh Lanta, 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.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Koh Lanta?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Koh Lanta $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, 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 Aqaba and Koh Lanta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Koh Lanta $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Koh Lanta $48
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Koh Lanta
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Koh Lanta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Koh Lanta $5.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Aqaba Airport AQJ Private Transfer to Multi Destinations: $65
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba, Jordan : $35
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba Border Yitzhak Rabin Terminal to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Petra Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Aqaba Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $70
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
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:
- Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel: $111
- Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer: $171
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Koh Lanta?
Prices for flights to both Koh Lanta and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $42Koh Lanta $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
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.Aqaba $54Koh Lanta $31
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $22
- Aqaba Local Tour : $28
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $28
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
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 dayAqaba $9.07Koh Lanta $3.79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Koh Lanta, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Koh Lanta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Koh Lanta?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Koh Lanta in the Summer?
Both Koh Lanta and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Koh Lanta. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Koh Lanta during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Koh Lanta in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Lanta in the Autumn?
Both Koh Lanta and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round.
Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Koh Lanta. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Koh Lanta. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 181 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Lanta averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Lanta in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Koh Lanta. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Koh Lanta. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives less sunshine than Koh Lanta during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba is generally much colder than Koh Lanta. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Koh Lanta 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Lanta in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Koh Lanta. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year.
Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Koh Lanta. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Koh Lanta. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 249 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is cooler than Koh Lanta in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Koh Lanta 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Lanta and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Koh Lanta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 355 mm (14 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.