Which place is cheaper, El Nido or Koh Lanta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Koh Lanta and El Nido 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.
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.
El Nido is a coastal destination on the Philippine island of Palawan. It consists of about 45 islands and islets all with beautiful beachfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for experiencing nature above and below the water. Some of the island's best features include limestone karst cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, coves, and waterfalls.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.
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 El Nido is $39. 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 El Nido in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or El Nido? 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.
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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Lanta:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Lanta:
Also for El Nido, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both El Nido 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Koh Lanta.
Here are a few typical costs in Koh Lanta for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Koh Lanta for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For El Nido, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and El Nido, we can see that Koh Lanta is more expensive. And not only is El Nido much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Nido would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Nido 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 El Nido.
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 El Nido Expensive?.
El Nido has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and El Nido, 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.