A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Couples, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 tranquil, peaceful, and quiet island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Koh Lanta and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Koh Lanta and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are popular destinations, Koh Lanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Lanta is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai attracts visitors for its museums. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo. Koh Lanta is famous for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. It is also well known for Long Beach.

How is Koh Lanta different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lanta is a island with good options for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is great for its luxury resorts. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a resort destination.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Lanta is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Koh Lanta is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Both Koh Lanta and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are destinations which offer great 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Koh Lanta is mediocre for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are great 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its romantic activities.

Koh Lanta is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lanta and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lanta is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a national park 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable national park. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lanta than Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Koh Lanta than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Koh Lanta.

One day in Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Lanta, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chichibu-Tama-Kai has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful island of Koh Lanta, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

You'll find around the relaxing destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the tranquil destination of Koh Lanta, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the natural national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Koh Lanta is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

In July, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lanta in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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. Also, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 29°C (85°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Koh Lanta