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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai?

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

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a cultural, beautiful, and friendly city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Koh Lanta and Chiang Rai: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chiang Rai than Koh Lanta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chiang Rai is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Koh Lanta is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Chiang Rai is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. Also, Chiang Rai is famous for Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple). 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 Chiang Rai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai 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 Rai are among the most recognizable in the world. The Old City is filled with breathtaking temples and cultural sites. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an iconic sight, but you should also visit the Black House, and Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Wat Tham Pla is the Monkey Temple and has a dramatic effect with its steep staircase. It's a short drive from Chiang Rai, but worth the trip as it's overrun with monkeys.

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 Rai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Rai 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 Rai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The regional cuisine is famous for its unique dishes and flavors. It's slightly less spicy than the southern Thai cuisine and the dishes are rich in flavor. Northern Thai sausage is a must-try dish, as is Khao Soi Curry, and Khao Soi Gai Nong (coconut curry and chicken soup).

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 Rai Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai has a few options to choose from. The small city has a laid back nightlife scene with a number of bars and cafes along Jetyod Road. You'll find a mix of expats and locals, without the usual backpacker crowds that are common in some cities.

Is Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai Better for Resorts?

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

Koh Lanta is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.

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

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

Many visitors go to Koh Lanta to enjoy 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.

Chiang Rai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for the beache. However, Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Lanta are among the best in 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 Rai is not a beach destination.

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

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

Chiang Rai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Old City is filled with intricate temples and impressive beauty. The area is very walkable and you can easily visit the famed Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh.

Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Chiang Rai 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Chiang Rai. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai?

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

Chiang Rai is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local markets, night markets, and souvenir shops with handcrafted goods all make shopping a fun experience. Head to the Night Bazaar or the Walking Street for some of the best experiences.

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 Rai Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Chiang Rai are high quality 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 Rai. There are parks and outdoor spaces to explore such as Singha Park and the Garden of Reeds. For a little bit of silly fun, check out Nava Land Water Park and if you want to get out of town a bit, you'll find some great hiking nearby at Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall.

Is Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Koh Lanta has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Chiang Rai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful temples, impressive gardens, and an authentic Thai experience all make this a romantic and fun destination for couples.

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

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

Chiang Rai is a great city to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of affordable hostels around town. There are also enough backpackers around to keep things fun but not so many that the local vibe is lost.

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

Chiang Rai is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Chiang Rai. Tuk tuks and taxis are your best bet for getting around town in a vehicle.

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 Rai a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai 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.

Chiang Rai is a very walkable city. The old city is easy to explore on foot.

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 Rai Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 2-4 days is enough time in Chiang Rai.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Chiang Rai. 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 Chiang Rai 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 Rai.

One day in Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Chiang Rai. 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 Rai?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Chiang Rai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Rai?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Chiang Rai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai?

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 Rai is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Chiang Rai, we can see that Koh Lanta is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Rai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Rai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai.

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 Rai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Chiang Rai?

Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Chiang Rai, 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.