A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Benxi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Benxi?

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 Benxi 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.

Where Should I go: Koh Lanta or Benxi?

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.

Benxi

Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Benxi or Koh Lanta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lanta is $48, while the average daily cost in Benxi is $94. 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 Koh Lanta and Benxi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $24
    Benxi $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $48
    Benxi $94
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Benxi

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Benxi? 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.

Hotels in Koh Lanta


Hotels in Benxi


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: Koh Lanta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Lanta $5.66
    Benxi $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Lanta

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Lanta:


  • 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:

  • 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
  • Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel: $111
  • Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Benxi?

Prices for flights to both Benxi and Koh Lanta 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Lanta $11
    Benxi $30
Typical Food Prices in Koh Lanta

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:


  • Casual Breakfast
    $4.36
  • Casual Lunch
    $7.36
  • Casual Dinner
    $12
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lanta $31
    Benxi $7.29
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:


  • Emerald Cave Tour
    $19
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $3.79
    Benxi $7.69


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Benxi, we can see that Benxi 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 Benxi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Benxi 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 Benxi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Benxi?

Benxi has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Benxi, 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 Benxi?

Benxi 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 Benxi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Benxi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Benxi in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Benxi fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Benxi this time of the year. In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi during summer. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.

Benxi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Benxi. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Benxi 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Benxi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Benxi. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Benxi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Benxi averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Benxi. In the autumn, Koh Lanta often gets less sunshine than Benxi. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 216 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in October than Benxi. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Benxi 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Benxi in the Winter?

Both Benxi and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year.

Benxi can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Benxi fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Benxi during winter. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Benxi. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Lanta 27°C (80°F) 
    Benxi -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Benxi in the Spring?

Both Benxi and Koh Lanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Benxi in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Benxi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the spring, Koh Lanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 241 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in April than Benxi. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Lanta 29°C (85°F) 
    Benxi 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Benxi and Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Benxi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) -10°C (14°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) -7°C (20°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 25°C (78°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 25°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 2°C (35°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) -7°C (20°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)