A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a undeveloped, remote, and rugged national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Koh Lanta and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lanta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking. Koh Lanta is well known for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. Also, Koh Lanta is famous for Long Beach. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Koh Lanta different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Koh Lanta is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Koh Lanta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Koh Lanta is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Koh Lanta. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Koh Lanta is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.

Koh Lanta is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Koh Lanta is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Koh Lanta is very popular for the beache. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Lanta are among the best in the world. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Mount Aspiring National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Koh Lanta is not a good place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Both Koh Lanta and Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

Is Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Koh Lanta is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for couples.

Koh Lanta has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.


Is Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a national park with a few options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Koh Lanta
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a national park with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Koh Lanta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Koh Lanta than Mount Aspiring National Park . However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park .


  • How many days in Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koh Lanta 2-5 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The peaceful destination of Koh Lanta offers nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer.

You'll find around the undeveloped destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Koh Lanta is a fun place to experience. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer.

You'll find around the undeveloped national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.


A week in Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find nightlife and food around the tranquil island of Koh Lanta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Mount Aspiring National Park or Koh Lanta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lanta is $48, while the average daily cost in Mount Aspiring National Park is $109. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $24
    Mount Aspiring National Park $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $48
    Mount Aspiring National Park $118
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Mount Aspiring National Park

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park ? 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.

Hotels in Koh Lanta


Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park


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 and Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Lanta $5.66
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49
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
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Lanta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Lanta:

  • One-Way Transfer from Koh Lanta to Krabi Town or Airport by Minivan: $11
  • Pravate Transfer Lanta Island to Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Ao nang: $74
  • Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel: $111
  • Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park 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 day
    Koh Lanta $11
    Mount Aspiring National Park $18
Typical Food Prices in Koh Lanta

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:


  • Casual Breakfast
    $4.36
  • Casual Lunch
    $7.36
  • Casual Dinner
    $12
  • Fancy Dinner (for Two)
    $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Lanta

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Koh Lanta.

  • Cooking Experience at Lanta Thai Cookery School From Koh Lanta: $48
  • Sukho Cuisine Thai Cooking School From Koh Lanta: $52
  • Cooking Class and Market Tour at Lanta Thai Cookery School on Koh Lanta: $53
  • Cooking Class & Market Tour with Thai Master Chef at Sukho Cuisine, Lanta: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lanta $31
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29
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
    $19
  • Yoga Session (1 Hour)
    $9.55

Tours and Activities in Koh Lanta

Here are a few actual costs in Koh Lanta for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half Day 2 Caves Ko Skull Tour Ko Lanta and Kayaking Ko Talabeng: $25
  • Lanta 4 Islands + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour: $26
  • Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat): $26
  • 4 Island Tour to Emerald Cave by Longtail Boat from Koh Lanta: $28
  • Half Day Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $29
  • Tung Yee Peng Mangrove Forest Tour By Longtail Boat From Koh Lanta: $30
  • Lanta Mangrove Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking at Koh Talabeng: $30
  • Koh Ngai, Koh Muk + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour by Classic Longtail Boat: $32
  • Sea Cave and Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $36
  • Lanta Old Town and Mangrove Forest Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Snorkel Tour to Phi Phi Islands by Speed Boat from Koh Lanta: $42
  • Koh Phi Phi Day Tour by Opal Travel Speedboat: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $3.79
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.09


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Mount Aspiring National Park is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Lanta is in Asia and Mount Aspiring National Park is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive?.