Which place is cheaper, Koh Lanta or Eilat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Eilat or Koh Lanta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Lanta? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Eilat or Koh Lanta?
Eilat
Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.
Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.
Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.
Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
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 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEilat $140Koh Lanta $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, 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 Eilat and Koh Lanta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEilat $93Koh Lanta $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEilat $186Koh Lanta $48
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Koh Lanta
Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Koh Lanta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eilat $13Koh Lanta $5.66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:
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Local Bus$3.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat
Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
- Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70
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:
- Pravate Transfer Lanta Island to Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Ao nang: $74
- One-Way Transfer from Koh Lanta to Krabi Town or Airport by Minivan: $11
- Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer: $171
- Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel: $111
Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Koh Lanta?
Prices for flights to both Koh Lanta and Eilat 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 dayEilat $35Koh Lanta $11
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.Eilat $16Koh Lanta $31
Tours and Activities in Eilat
For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
- Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
- From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
- Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
- Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70
- Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
- Red Canyon: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
- Timna Park Tour from Eilat: $150
- Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
- Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
- 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
- Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
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:
- 4 Island Tour to Emerald Cave by Longtail Boat from Koh Lanta: $28
- 4 Islands Day Tour By Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
- Full Day Sea Cave and Mangrove Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $52
- Half Day 2 Caves Ko Skull Tour Ko Lanta and Kayaking Ko Talabeng: $25
- Half Day Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $29
- Koh Ha Koh Rok Day Tour by Opal Travel Speed boat: $47
- Koh Ngai, Koh Muk + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour by Classic Longtail Boat: $32
- Koh Phi Phi Day Tour by Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
- Lanta 4 Islands + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour: $26
- Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat): $26
- Lanta Mangrove Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking at Koh Talabeng: $30
- Lanta Old Town and Mangrove Forest Sightseeing Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEilat $27Koh Lanta $3.79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Koh Lanta, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat 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 Eilat Expensive? and Is Koh Lanta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eilat or Koh Lanta?
Eilat has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat or Koh Lanta?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Lanta in the Summer?
Both Koh Lanta and Eilat during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Eilat usually gets less rain in July than Koh Lanta. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 269 mm (10.6 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 Eilat. In the summer, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Koh Lanta. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 206 hours of full sun.
Eilat can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Eilat is generally a little warmer than Koh Lanta. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 33°C (91°F), and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEilat 33°C (91°F)Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Lanta in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Koh Lanta. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Eilat usually receives less rain than Koh Lanta. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Koh Lanta during autumn. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Eilat is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEilat 26°C (79°F)Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Lanta in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Koh Lanta. Eilat 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. Eilat usually gets less rain in January than Koh Lanta. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 50 mm (2 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 Eilat this time of the year. In the winter, Eilat often gets less sunshine than Koh Lanta. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 287 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Eilat is much colder than Koh Lanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Eilat in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Lanta averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEilat 14°C (57°F)Koh Lanta 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Lanta in the Spring?
Both Koh Lanta and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat 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. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. In April, Eilat usually receives less rain than Koh Lanta. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Koh Lanta during spring. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Eilat is generally cooler than Koh Lanta. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEilat 24°C (75°F)Koh Lanta 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Lanta and Eilat
| Eilat | Koh Lanta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 2 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) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 0 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) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.