A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Nara for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Nara?

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 Nara 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. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Lanta as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Nara

Nara is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. Nara is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Nara travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Nara: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less charming


Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Nara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nara than Koh Lanta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nara is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Koh Lanta is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Nara is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Also, Nara is famous for Nara Park. 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 Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Lanta
Nara

Nara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nara. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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 Nara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta
Nara

Koh Lanta is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Koh Lanta or Nara Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lanta
Nara

Nara 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 Nara know how to have a good time. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Nara Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta
Nara

Koh Lanta is notable for its resorts. However, Nara is not a resort destination.

Koh Lanta is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Nara is not a resort destination.


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

Koh Lanta
Nara

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

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Nara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Nara Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta
Nara

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Nara is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Lanta. 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.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Nara Better for its Old Town?

Koh Lanta
Nara

Nara is a city with good options for its old town. However, Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Nara to see the old town. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.


Is Koh Lanta or Nara Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta
Nara

Both Koh Lanta and Nara 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 Nara for the hiking trails. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Nara?

Koh Lanta
Nara

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

Nara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

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 Nara More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta
Nara

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Lanta as well. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.


Is Koh Lanta or Nara Better for Families?

Koh Lanta
Nara

Both Koh Lanta and Nara are excellent 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 Nara. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

Is Koh Lanta or Nara Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta
Nara

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Koh Lanta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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

Koh Lanta
Nara

Koh Lanta and Nara are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lanta is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.


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

Koh Lanta
Nara

Nara 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 Nara can get you to some places easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara a more walkable city?

Koh Lanta
Nara

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

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Lanta or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lanta than Nara because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Nara.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Nara. 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 Nara. 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 Nara 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 Nara.


  • How many days in Koh Lanta or Nara? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koh Lanta 2-5 
    Nara 1-2

One day in Koh Lanta or Nara?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Lanta. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nara. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nara has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Koh Lanta or Nara?

Koh Lanta is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Nara. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Nara?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Lanta. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Nara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Nara?

The off-the-beaten-path island of Koh Lanta offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Nara 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nara 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lanta is $64, while the average daily cost in Nara is $111. 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 Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $28
    Nara $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $56
    Nara $108
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Nara? 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 Nara


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 Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Lanta $6.52
    Nara $6.04
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $21
    Nara $51
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 Nara

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

  • Handmade Soba and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $49
  • Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $52
  • Nara Personalized Half Day Food Tour with a Local Guide: $160
  • Taste of Nara A Guided Half Day Food Tour Tailored to Your Taste: $160
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lanta $35
    Nara $8.09
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 Nara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:

  • Gripped Sumi Ink Experience at a Historic Workshop in Nara: $23
  • Naramachi walking tour with Local: $31
  • Nara Highlight Walking Tour with Furoshiki Experience with Lunch: $35
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $45
  • Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide: $69
  • Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour: $70
  • Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour: $74
  • Nara - Highlights Bike Tour: $76
  • Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available): $79
  • First Time Nara Tour UNESCO Sites with Lunch and Deer Feed: $83
  • Nara Todaiji Lazy Bird Walking Tour: $92
  • Nara World Heritage PRIVATE TOUR: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $4.36
    Nara $12


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


Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Nara?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Nara, 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 Nara?

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Nara during summer. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Nara. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Nara 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Nara. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

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

It's quite rainy in Nara. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in October than Nara. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nara can be very cold. In January, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Nara during winter. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nara. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Lanta 27°C (80°F) 
    Nara 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Koh Lanta during the spring 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, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the spring, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Nara. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.

Nara 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 April as Nara. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Lanta 29°C (85°F) 
    Nara 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Nara and Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Nara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)