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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Koh Lanta and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Sapporo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sapporo. Although Koh Lanta and Sapporo are both popular with visitors, Sapporo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lanta is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sapporo is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park. 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 Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sapporo and Koh Lanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Koh Lanta or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Koh Lanta is not a skiing destination.

People head to Sapporo specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Koh Lanta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lanta or Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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 Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Sapporo 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.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Koh Lanta or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo know how to have a good time. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

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 Sapporo Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Sapporo Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Sapporo Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is a great island for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

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.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Sapporo?

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

Sapporo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

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 Sapporo Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Sapporo are great 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 Sapporo. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Is Koh Lanta or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Sapporo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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

Sapporo is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sapporo is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun 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 Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is a great destination for students. However, Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo can get you to some places easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo a more walkable city?

Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Sapporo?

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Sapporo. 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

One day in Koh Lanta or Sapporo?

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.

People visit Sapporo because there is so much to do. 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 Sapporo?

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.

People visit Sapporo because there is so much to do. 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 Sapporo?

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 food and shopping when visiting the vibrant city of Sapporo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Koh Lanta during the summer 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In the summer, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Sapporo. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sapporo can get quite cold in the winter. Koh Lanta is much warmer than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Koh Lanta