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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Suzhou?

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 Suzhou 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 Suzhou?

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.

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.


Which place is cheaper, Suzhou 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 Suzhou is $101. 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 Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $24
    Suzhou $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $48
    Suzhou $76
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou


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
    Suzhou $57
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:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Exploration with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Suzhou Train Station to Hotels in Suzhou: $44
  • Private Day Tour: Suzhou Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
  • Private Departure Transfer to Shanghai Airport from Suzhou City Hotel: $68
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Private Suzhou Garden and Water Town Highlight Trip with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $240
  • Private Transfer from Suzhou to Hangzhou City Area : $137

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Suzhou?

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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
    Suzhou $32
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 Suzhou

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

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
  • Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
  • Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lanta $31
    Suzhou $9.32
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 Suzhou

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

  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
  • Wuxi Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car : $103
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • Wuzhen and Xitang Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $123
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • Private Flexible Suzhou Day Tour with Old and New Highlights: $127
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
  • Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $3.79
    Suzhou $6.40


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


Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Suzhou?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?

Suzhou 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 Suzhou in the Summer?

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

In July, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

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

Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 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) 
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Suzhou in the Autumn?

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

Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Suzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Suzhou in the Winter?

Both Suzhou 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.

Suzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lanta in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Suzhou averages at about 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 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) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Suzhou in the Spring?

Both Suzhou 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.

In April, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 29°C (85°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the spring, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.

Suzhou 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 more rain in April than Suzhou. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 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) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Suzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)