A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Lanta vs. Koh Phi Phi for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Phi Phi 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 quiet, beautiful, and off-the-beaten-path island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Koh Lanta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Koh Lanta is more popular for its food. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Koh Lanta is well known for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park.

How is Koh Lanta different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Neither Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

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

Koh Lanta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Phi Phi area. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Koh Phi Phi know how to have a good time. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

If you're looking for night time activities Koh Lanta has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class resort vacation destination. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

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.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

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.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi are considered to be terrific 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 Phi Phi offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Both Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi are destinations which offer excellent 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 Koh Phi Phi for the hiking trails. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi?

Neither Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi can be found for those interested. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Koh Lanta is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination 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.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Both Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi are terrific 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 Phi Phi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Koh Phi Phi. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

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 Phi Phi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

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 Phi Phi a more walkable city?

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

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable place. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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 Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Families should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Koh Phi Phi. 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 Phi Phi than Koh Lanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Phi Phi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful 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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Koh Phi Phi. 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 Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quiet 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the tropical destination of Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beautiful 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 nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Lanta has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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 Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

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

December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi 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 less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

In the autumn, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

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

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

Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

In January, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

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

The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta