A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Atami for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Atami?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Koh Lanta and Atami 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.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a tranquil, peaceful, and quiet island. Koh Lanta is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Atami travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Atami?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lanta is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Atami is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Koh Lanta is well known for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. Also, Koh Lanta is famous for Long Beach. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Koh Lanta different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lanta or Atami?

Atami is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Atami offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lanta or Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Koh Lanta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Koh Lanta or Atami Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Atami has a better nightlife scene.

Koh Lanta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

If you're looking for night time activities Atami has a few options to choose from. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Koh Lanta or Atami Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Atami is not a resort destination.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Atami is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Atami Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Lanta is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Atami Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is renowned for the beach. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Koh Lanta is considered to be a world-class beach destination. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Koh Lanta or Atami Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Lanta. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Atami?

Atami is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Atami offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Shopping in Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Is Koh Lanta or Atami More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Lanta is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lanta or Atami Better for Families?

Koh Lanta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Lanta is very family-friendly. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Koh Lanta or Atami Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Koh Lanta is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

Atami is a good island for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Koh Lanta or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lanta and Atami are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lanta is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Atami is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Public transit is quite limited in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Koh Lanta or Atami a more walkable city?

Atami is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Atami is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Koh Lanta is not a very walkable island. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Lanta Worth Visiting? and Is Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Lanta or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lanta than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Atami. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Lanta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Koh Lanta or Atami?

In Koh Lanta, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Atami. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atami has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nostalgic destination of Atami. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Atami?

Koh Lanta is a fun place to experience. In Koh Lanta, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic town of Atami. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Atami?

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Koh Lanta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Atami is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Atami, we can see that Atami is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Atami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atami 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 Koh Lanta Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Atami?

Atami has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Atami, 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 Koh Lanta or Atami?

Atami has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Lanta experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Atami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Atami. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Atami in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Atami. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Atami. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Atami averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Atami during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Atami. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Koh Lanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Atami. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Atami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Atami in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Atami during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Atami. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Typical Weather for Atami and Koh Lanta