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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Auckland?

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 Auckland 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 beautiful, off-the-beaten-path, and tranquil island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Auckland

Auckland is a thrill-seeking, cosmopolitan , and adventurous city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Lanta and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Auckland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Auckland than Koh Lanta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Auckland is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lanta is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower. Koh Lanta is well known for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park.

How is Koh Lanta different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Auckland 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 Auckland?

Auckland is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Auckland. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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 Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Auckland both to be superb destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Koh Lanta. 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.

Auckland has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Koh Lanta or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Auckland know how to have a good time. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

If you're looking for night time activities Koh Lanta has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Koh Lanta or Auckland Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Auckland is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Lanta. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Auckland is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Koh Lanta. 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.

Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Lanta is a very popular vacation 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Auckland. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Is Koh Lanta or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Auckland?

Auckland is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Auckland is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

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 Auckland Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Auckland are superb to visit with kids.

Koh Lanta is a very kid-friendly island. 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 family-friendly things to do in Auckland. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Is Koh Lanta or Auckland Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Lanta 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.

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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

Auckland is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Auckland is a great city to visit for backpackers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Lanta. 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.

Is Koh Lanta or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is a great destination for students. However, Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

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

Auckland is a city 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 Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

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 Auckland a more walkable city?

Auckland is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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 Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lanta and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta than in Auckland. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Auckland. 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 Auckland. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Koh Lanta 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 Auckland.

One day in Koh Lanta or Auckland?

The beautiful island of Koh Lanta offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Auckland because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Auckland?

Koh Lanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Lanta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Auckland because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Auckland?

Koh Lanta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Lanta, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous city of Auckland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Auckland?

Koh Lanta is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Auckland is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Auckland, 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 Auckland?

Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Auckland. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin January. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Aucklandin April. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In January, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin July. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.

Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.

In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 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 Auckland and Koh Lanta