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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a cultural, well-preserved, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Lanta and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Kanazawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Koh Lanta and Kanazawa are popular destinations, Koh Lanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Lanta is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Kanazawa is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Koh Lanta is famous for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. It is also well known for Long Beach.

How is Koh Lanta different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

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 Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Kanazawa both to be superb 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.

Kanazawa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Is Koh Lanta or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa has a few options to choose from. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Koh Lanta or Kanazawa Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its old town. However, Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Kanazawa to see the old town. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lanta or Kanazawa Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Kanazawa?

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

Kanazawa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

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 Kanazawa Better for Families?

Koh Lanta is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Koh Lanta or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

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

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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

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

Koh Lanta and Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Koh Lanta or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for students. However, Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

Kanazawa is popular with students. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Kanazawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

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 Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Kanazawa is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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 Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Kanazawa?

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

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

One day in Koh Lanta or Kanazawa?

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 shopping and museums around the city of Kanazawa. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kanazawa has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Kanazawa?

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 museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?

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.

Kanazawa 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, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa 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 around the same amount of rain in July as Kanazawa. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Kanazawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Kanazawa. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Kanazawa. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. In the winter, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lanta in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa 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 April, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 29°C (85°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 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.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Koh Lanta