A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Lanta vs. Chiang Mai for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai?

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 Chiang Mai 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 peaceful, quiet, and beautiful island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a natural, temple-filled, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Koh Lanta and Chiang Mai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Koh Lanta and Chiang Mai are popular destinations, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lanta attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. 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 Chiang Mai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chiang Mai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

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 Chiang Mai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

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 Chiang Mai Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai know how to have a good time. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

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 Chiang Mai Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Lanta to choose from. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Koh Lanta offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for its old town. However, Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Chiang Mai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

Many visitors go to Koh Lanta for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

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 Chiang Mai Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Chiang Mai are very good 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 Chiang Mai. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

Is Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Koh Lanta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Chiang Mai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

Is Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Chiang Mai. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

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 Chiang Mai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

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 Chiang Mai a more walkable city?

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

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

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 Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chiang Mai or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai?

Both Koh Lanta and Chiang Mai have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Koh Lanta. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 2-7 days is enough time in Chiang Mai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

One day in Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the quiet island of Koh Lanta, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Chiang Mai?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Lanta, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. 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 Chiang Mai?

Koh Lanta, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai?

Koh Lanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lanta and Chiang Mai, we can see that Koh Lanta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Chiang Mai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai?

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

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 Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai in the Summer?

Both Chiang Mai and Koh Lanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.

June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Chiang Mai. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun.

In July, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Chiang Mai. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.

Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Chiang Mai. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chiang Mai. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Chiang Mai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lanta in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai in the Spring?

Both Chiang Mai and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai 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. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In April, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 29°C (85°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Koh Lanta