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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a remote, traditional, and religious religious site. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Koh Lanta and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lanta is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its museums. 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. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Koh Lanta different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan is a religious site with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Dewa Sanzan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

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 Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lanta is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Koh Lanta. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Lanta. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Lanta is a very popular vacation 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Both Koh Lanta and Dewa Sanzan are destinations which offer superb 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 Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan?

Neither Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan offer decent shopping options.

Koh Lanta has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. 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.

Shopping in Dewa Sanzan can be found for those interested. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Lanta is very family-friendly. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly island. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Lanta 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a good island for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lanta and Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

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

Dewa Sanzan is a religious site 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 Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

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 Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Dewa Sanzan is a religious site with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

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 Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lanta and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the off-the-beaten-path island of Koh Lanta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums around the religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful destination of Koh Lanta. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums around the religious destination of Dewa Sanzan. 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 religious site has to offer. This religious site offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the quiet island of Koh Lanta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the religious religious site of Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Koh Lanta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dewa Sanzan 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Dewa Sanzan. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months.

Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Koh Lanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. In January, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Koh Lanta