A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Nanjing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Nanjing?

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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing?

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.

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanjing 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 Nanjing is $96. 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 Nanjing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $24
    Nanjing $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $48
    Nanjing $92
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Nanjing

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Nanjing? 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 Nanjing


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 $5.66
    Nanjing $38
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:

  • Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel: $111
  • Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer: $171
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
  • Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $72
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $63
  • Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $175
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Nanjing Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) to Nanjing hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $66
  • Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $114
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Nanjing?

Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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
    Nanjing $28
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

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

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
  • Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lanta $31
    Nanjing $9.27
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

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way: $94
  • Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
  • Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $3.79
    Nanjing $9.46


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


Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Nanjing?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 510 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?

Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?

Both Nanjing 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.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Nanjing in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In July, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nanjing in the Autumn?

Both Nanjing 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.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanjing averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nanjing in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round.

The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In January, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Lanta 27°C (80°F) 
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nanjing in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Nanjing. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Nanjing in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in April than Nanjing. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Lanta 29°C (85°F) 
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nanjing and Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Nanjing
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in)