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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell 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. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historical town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Koh Lanta and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Cromwell?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta than Cromwell, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lanta is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cromwell is more popular for its skiing, museums, shopping, and small town charm. Cromwell is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. Koh Lanta is well known for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. Also, Koh Lanta is famous for Long Beach.

How is Koh Lanta different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cromwell and Koh Lanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Koh Lanta or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a town with good options for winter skiing. However, Koh Lanta is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Cromwell is a great destination to visit. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Koh Lanta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lanta or Cromwell?

Cromwell is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Cromwell offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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 Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koh Lanta has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Koh Lanta or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Cromwell 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 Cromwell has a few options to choose from. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Is Koh Lanta or Cromwell Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is a great island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is very popular for the beache. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Both Koh Lanta and Cromwell 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 Cromwell for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Cromwell?

Cromwell is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Cromwell offers some nice shopping areas. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

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 Cromwell Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Cromwell 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 Cromwell. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Is Koh Lanta or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

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.

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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

Koh Lanta and Cromwell are notable 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 Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

Cromwell is a town 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 Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

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 Cromwell a more walkable city?

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

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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 Cromwell Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Lanta or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lanta than Cromwell 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 Cromwell.

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

One day in Koh Lanta or Cromwell?

The beautiful island of Koh Lanta offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the town of Cromwell. 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 Cromwell has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Cromwell?

Koh Lanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Lanta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historical destination of Cromwell. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Cromwell?

Koh Lanta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Lanta, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural town of Cromwell. 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 Cromwell?

Koh Lanta is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Cromwell 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Cromwell, we can see that Cromwell is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Lanta is in Asia and Cromwell is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Cromwell would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cromwell 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 Cromwell Expensive?.