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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto 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 tranquil, peaceful, and quiet 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a fascinating, traditional, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Lanta and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Kyoto?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kyoto than Koh Lanta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kyoto is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lanta is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Kyoto is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji. 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 Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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 Kyoto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Kyoto both to be great 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.

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Koh Lanta or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Kyoto 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 Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Koh Lanta or Kyoto Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is a great destination for its resorts. However, Kyoto is not a resort destination.

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.

Kyoto is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Lanta is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Kyoto Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is renowned for the beache. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

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.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Kyoto is revered around the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lanta or Kyoto Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

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.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Kyoto?

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

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Kyoto are great 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 Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Koh Lanta or Kyoto Better for Couples?

Both Koh Lanta and Kyoto are world-class 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.

Kyoto is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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

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

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto is a great destination for students. However, Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto is a great destination for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Kyoto can get you to some places easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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 Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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 Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Kyoto?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

One day in Koh Lanta or Kyoto?

In Koh Lanta, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this off-the-beaten-path destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kyoto. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Kyoto?

Koh Lanta is a fun place to experience. In Koh Lanta, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Kyoto. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Kyoto?

You'll find nightlife and food around the peaceful destination of Koh Lanta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the Summer?

Both Kyoto and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In July, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto and Koh Lanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

Kyoto 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 more rain in October than Kyoto. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Kyoto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Kyoto. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the spring, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Koh Lanta