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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Dalian?

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 Dalian 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 Dalian?

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.

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

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, Dalian 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 Dalian is $103. 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 Dalian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $24
    Dalian $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $48
    Dalian $108
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Dalian

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Dalian? 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 Dalian


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
    Dalian $41
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:

  • Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer: $171
  • Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel: $111
  • Pravate Transfer Lanta Island to Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Ao nang: $74
  • One-Way Transfer from Koh Lanta to Krabi Town or Airport by Minivan: $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33
  • Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Dalian?

Prices for flights to both Dalian 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
    Dalian $27
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
    Dalian $4.78
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:

  • 4 Island Tour to Emerald Cave by Longtail Boat from Koh Lanta: $28
  • 4 Islands Day Tour By Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
  • Full Day Sea Cave and Mangrove Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $52
  • Half Day 2 Caves Ko Skull Tour Ko Lanta and Kayaking Ko Talabeng: $25
  • Half Day Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $29
  • Koh Ha Koh Rok Day Tour by Opal Travel Speed boat: $47
  • Koh Ngai, Koh Muk + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour by Classic Longtail Boat: $32
  • Koh Phi Phi Day Tour by Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
  • Lanta 4 Islands + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour: $26
  • Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat): $26
  • Lanta Mangrove Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking at Koh Talabeng: $30
  • Lanta Old Town and Mangrove Forest Sightseeing Tour: $40

Tours and Activities in Dalian

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.

  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $3.79
    Dalian $6.31


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


Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Dalian?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Dalian, 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 Dalian?

Dalian 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 Dalian in the Summer?

Both Dalian 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.

In the summer, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Dalian averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Dalian 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 Dalian. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Dalian 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Dalian in the Autumn?

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

In October, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Dalian. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Dalian 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Dalian in the Winter?

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

The weather in Dalian can be very cold. Koh Lanta is much warmer than Dalian in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Lanta 27°C (80°F) 
    Dalian -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Dalian in the Spring?

Both Dalian 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.

In the spring, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Dalian averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Dalian. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 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.


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

Typical Weather for Dalian and Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Dalian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)