A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Jakarta for Couples, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Jakarta?

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 Jakarta 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 peaceful, quiet, and beautiful island. Many visitors also come to Koh Lanta because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a genuine, sprawling, and friendly city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jakarta travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Jakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Jakarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jakarta. Although Koh Lanta and Jakarta are popular destinations, Jakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lanta attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Lanta is famous for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also well known for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Koh Lanta different from Jakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jakarta is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Jakarta. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

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 Jakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Jakarta both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Jakarta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Is Koh Lanta or Jakarta Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Jakarta 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 Jakarta has a few options to choose from. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is Koh Lanta or Jakarta Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Jakarta is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Lanta to choose from. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Jakarta is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Jakarta Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is terrific for its beaches. However, Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Koh Lanta offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Jakarta Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is a great island for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Lanta for the hiking trails. 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.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Jakarta?

Jakarta is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Jakarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

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 Jakarta More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Lanta because of it's amazing beauty. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lanta or Jakarta Better for Families?

Koh Lanta is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Koh Lanta is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Koh Lanta or Jakarta Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is terrific for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Koh Lanta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

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

Koh Lanta and Jakarta 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 Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

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

Jakarta is a city 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 Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

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 Jakarta a more walkable city?

Jakarta is a city 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.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

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 Jakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jakarta or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Jakarta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lanta and Jakarta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta than in Jakarta. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Jakarta.

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

One day in Koh Lanta or Jakarta?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Jakarta because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jakarta has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Jakarta?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer.

People visit Jakarta because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Jakarta?

Koh Lanta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Jakarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Jakarta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Lanta. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Jakarta is a popular choice for travelers. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lanta and Jakarta, we can see that Jakarta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Jakarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Jakarta?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 1400 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Jakarta, 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.