Which place is cheaper, Mandalay or Koh Lanta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Koh Lanta or Mandalay?
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 Mandalay 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.
Where Should I go: Koh Lanta or Mandalay?
Koh Lanta
Located on the southern coast of Thailand is a place populated by long beaches and diving hotspots. Consisting of several islands, Koh Lanta is a large island with nine beaches along the coast. The beautiful scenery makes this a quiet and relaxing spot for tourists. The crowds on this island tend to be older than the party-seekers on Ko Phi Phi so you'll find more activities like serene walks on the beach or travelers catching a sunset.
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand.
-
Koh Lanta Prices
Thailand PricesMandalay Prices
Myanmar Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Lanta $64Mandalay $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lanta is $64, while the average daily cost in Mandalay is $19. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koh Lanta and Mandalay in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Lanta $28Mandalay $8.65
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Lanta $56Mandalay $17
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Mandalay
Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Mandalay? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Lanta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Lanta $6.52Mandalay -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Lanta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Lanta:
-
Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta$19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- 2 Days in Mandalay Region, 3 Night in Monywa and 4 Days to transfer Bagan: $260
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- Bagan Land Transfer form Mandalay: $103
- From Mandalay To Kalaw-NyaungShwe-Inle Lake Private Transfer: $200
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Mandalay Airport Private Transfer : $55
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $150
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Mandalay?
Prices for flights to both Mandalay and Koh Lanta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayKoh Lanta $21Mandalay $10
Typical Food Prices in Koh Lanta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:
-
Casual Breakfast$5.02
-
Casual Lunch$8.48
-
Casual Dinner$14
-
Fancy Dinner (for Two)$53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bamboo Bike Food Tour: $42
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Lanta $35Mandalay -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Lanta
Here are a few typical costs in Koh Lanta for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Emerald Cave Tour$22
-
Yoga Session (1 Hour)$11
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Private Full-Day Mandalay Heritage Charter Car Tour: $45
- Mandalay Half-Day Tour: $45
- Mandalay Bike 'n Bite Tour: $46
- Mandalay Half-Day Sightseeing: $53
- Mandalay Full-Day Tour: $60
- Full day Adventure Trip in Mandalay & Amarapura : $61
- Adventure to Dee Dote Waterfalls from Mandalay: $63
- Mandalay Fullday Sightseeing: $65
- Day Tour Of Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura: $75
- Amarapura,Sagaing,Innwa Sightseeing Tour: $75
- Amarapura,Sagging,Innwa/Ava Sightseeing : $75
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Lanta $4.36Mandalay -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Mandalay, we can see that Koh Lanta is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Lanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Lanta than you might in Mandalay.
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 Mandalay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Mandalay?
Mandalay has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Mandalay, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.