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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a vibrant, high energy, and trendy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Newcastle travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Newcastle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newcastle. Although Koh Lanta and Newcastle are both popular with visitors, Newcastle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Newcastle is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lanta is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Newcastle is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is known for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also home to the Bathers Way. Koh Lanta is popular for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park.

How is Koh Lanta different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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 Newcastle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Newcastle both to be excellent 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.

Newcastle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Is Koh Lanta or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle 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 Newcastle know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Newcastle Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is terrific for the beach. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Newcastle is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Is Koh Lanta or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Koh Lanta is a popular spot for hiking. 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 people include a hike when visiting Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Newcastle?

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

Newcastle is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

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 Newcastle More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Newcastle is not a destination known for its 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.

Newcastle is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lanta or Newcastle Better for Families?

Koh Lanta is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Lanta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly island. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Koh Lanta or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is terrific for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

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

Koh Lanta and Newcastle are good 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 Newcastle. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Newcastle is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Newcastle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

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 Newcastle a more walkable city?

Newcastle is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Newcastle is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that can be explored 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 Newcastle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Lanta or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

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

One day in Koh Lanta or Newcastle?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Koh Lanta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Newcastle. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Newcastle?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the peaceful destination of Koh Lanta. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Newcastle. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Newcastle?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quiet island of Koh Lanta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Newcastle. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Newcastle?

Koh Lanta is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Newcastle is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Newcastle averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during summer. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

Newcastle 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 Newcastlein January. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Newcastle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Newcastle. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Koh Lanta is generally a little warmer than Newcastlein April. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Koh Lanta often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein April. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in October than Newcastlein April. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle 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 Newcastle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Newcastle in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Newcastle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle during winter. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Newcastlein July. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Newcastle in the Spring?

Both Newcastle 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. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

In the spring, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Newcastle averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the spring, Koh Lanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newcastlein October. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in April than Newcastlein October. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 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.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Koh Lanta