A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Rotorua for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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 tranquil, peaceful, and quiet island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a natural, world-renowned, and diverse town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Koh Lanta and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Koh Lanta and Rotorua are both popular with visitors, Koh Lanta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Lanta is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Rotorua is known for its museums and shopping. Rotorua is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Koh Lanta is popular for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. It is also home to Long Beach.

How is Koh Lanta different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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 Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Rotorua both to be great 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.

Rotorua has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Koh Lanta or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Rotorua has a better nightlife scene.

Koh Lanta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Rotorua has a few options to choose from. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Koh Lanta or Rotorua Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotorua is not a resort destination.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Rotorua is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Lanta is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Koh Lanta is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Both Koh Lanta and Rotorua are destinations which offer great 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 Rotorua for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Rotorua?

Rotorua is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Rotorua offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

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 Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Lanta. 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.

Is Koh Lanta or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Both Koh Lanta and Rotorua are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Koh Lanta is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Rotorua Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rotorua is a town 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 Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

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

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lanta and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta than in Rotorua. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

Families should spend more time in Rotorua than Koh Lanta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rotorua, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Rotorua than Koh Lanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rotorua that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.

One day in Koh Lanta or Rotorua?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Rotorua. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Rotorua?

Koh Lanta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural town of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Lanta. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Rotorua 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 Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Rotorua. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In the summer, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua and Koh Lanta during the winter 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, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Koh Lanta