A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Bandung for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Bandung?

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 Bandung 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 quiet, beautiful, and off-the-beaten-path island. Koh Lanta is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Bandung

Bandung is a scenic, laidback, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Bandung travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Bandung: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Bandung?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bandung. Although Koh Lanta and Bandung are popular destinations, Bandung has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bandung is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping, while Koh Lanta attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Bandung is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. It is also well known for White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey). Koh Lanta is famous for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park.

How is Koh Lanta different from Bandung?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bandung 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 Bandung. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

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 Bandung? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bandung is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Bandung have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Koh Lanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Koh Lanta or Bandung Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Bandung 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 Bandung has a few options to choose from. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Is Koh Lanta or Bandung Better for Resorts?

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

Koh Lanta is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Bandung is not a resort destination.

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

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

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Bandung Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Bandung is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Lanta. 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.

Bandung is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Bandung Better for Hiking?

Both Koh Lanta and Bandung are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Many visitors go to Bandung for the hiking trails. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Bandung?

Bandung is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Bandung make it a world-class shopping destination. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

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 Bandung More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bandung 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.

Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lanta or Bandung Better for Families?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Koh Lanta is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Is Koh Lanta or Bandung Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Koh Lanta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Bandung frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

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

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

Bandung is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

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 Bandung Better for Students?

Bandung is a city with good options for students. However, Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

Bandung is popular with students. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

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

Bandung 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 Bandung, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

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 Bandung a more walkable city?

Bandung is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Bandung is a very walkable city. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

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 Bandung Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bandung or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Bandung?

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

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

One day in Koh Lanta or Bandung?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bandung. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Bandung?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laidback destination of Bandung. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Bandung?

Koh Lanta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Bandung. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Bandung?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Lanta. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bandung is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Bandung, we can see that Koh Lanta is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Koh Lanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Lanta than you might in Bandung.

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 Bandung Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Bandung?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Bandung, 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.