A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Lanta vs. Koh Chang for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Koh Chang?

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 Koh Chang 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 off-the-beaten-path, tranquil, and peaceful island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a tranquil, scenic, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Koh Lanta and Koh Chang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Koh Chang?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Koh Lanta and Koh Chang are popular destinations, Koh Lanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Lanta is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Koh Chang attracts visitors for its shopping. Koh Chang is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. 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 Koh Chang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Neither Koh Lanta or Koh Chang offer quality museums and landmarks.

Koh Lanta offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Chang. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lanta or Koh Chang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Chang Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang has a few options to choose from. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Chang Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Koh Lanta and Koh Chang have high quality options.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Chang to choose from. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

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

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Koh Lanta to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Koh Chang has a few snorkeling spots. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Chang Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Lanta and Koh Chang are considered to be first-rate beach destinations.

Koh Lanta is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Koh Chang offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Chang Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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 include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Koh Chang?

Koh Chang is a island with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

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 Koh Chang Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Koh Chang are high quality to visit with kids.

Koh Lanta is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Chang. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Chang Better for Couples?

Both Koh Lanta and Koh Chang are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Koh Lanta is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Koh Chang is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

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

Koh Chang is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Chang is a great island to visit for backpackers. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Lanta. 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.

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

Koh Chang is a island 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 Koh Chang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

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 Koh Chang a more walkable city?

Koh Chang is a island 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.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

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 Koh Chang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Chang or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Koh Chang?

In either Koh Lanta or Koh Chang, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Koh Chang has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Koh Chang than Koh Lanta. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Chang.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang.

One day in Koh Lanta or Koh Chang?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Koh Lanta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Koh Chang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Chang?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Koh Lanta. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and nightlife around the scenic destination of Koh Chang. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Koh Chang?

You'll find nightlife and food around the peaceful island of Koh Lanta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic island of Koh Chang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Koh Lanta or Koh Chang?

Koh Lanta is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Koh Chang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lanta and Koh Chang, we can see that Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Lanta or Koh Chang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Koh Chang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Koh Chang. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year.

June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in July than Koh Chang. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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 Koh Chang. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 143 hours of full sun.

In July, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Chang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Koh Chang in the Autumn?

Both Koh Chang 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February. The rainy season in Koh Chang is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Chang. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 193 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Koh Chang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Koh Chang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Koh Chang in the Winter?

Both Koh Chang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round.

January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Koh Chang. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 282 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lanta in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Chang averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Koh Chang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Koh Chang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Koh Chang. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Chang fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Chang and Koh Lanta