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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Xi'an?

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 Xi'an 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 Xi'an?

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.

Xi'an

Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xi'an 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 $63, while the average daily cost in Xi'an 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 Xi'an in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $28
    Xi'an $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $56
    Xi'an $130
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Xi'an

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Xi'an? 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 Xian


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 $6.37
    Xi'an $13
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
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Lanta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Lanta:

  • ATV Jungle Ride on Ko Lanta Noi with Hotel Transfers: $48
  • Koh Lanta Private Transfers to or from Krabi Airport (KBV): $91
  • Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta Private Transfer with Hotel Pickup: $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • 1-Day Xi'an Layover Tour: Terracotta Army with Round Airport transfers(XIY): $100
  • 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $269
  • Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $229
  • From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
  • Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $229
  • Mt. Huashan Private Roundtrip Transfer with Driver's Tickets Help: $113
  • One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $149
  • One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
  • Private 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
  • Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
  • Private Arrival Transfer Xi'an Railway Stations to Hotel: $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport(XIY) to City Hotel: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Xi'an?

Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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
    Xi'an $23
Typical Food Prices in Koh Lanta

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:


  • Casual Breakfast
    $4.91
  • Casual Lunch
    $8.29
  • Casual Dinner
    $14
  • Fancy Dinner (for Two)
    $52

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: $49
  • Thai Cooking and Market Tour in Koh Lanta: $51
  • Cooking Class and Market Tour at Lanta Thai Cookery School on Koh Lanta: $60
  • Thai Cooking in a Teak House on Koh Lanta: $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.

  • Xi’an:City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
  • Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
  • Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
  • Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music Dance Show or Dinner Show with Transfer: $39
  • Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
  • Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket with Optional Dinner: $57
  • Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
  • Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
  • Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lanta $34
    Xi'an $38
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
    $21
  • Yoga Session (1 Hour)
    $11

Tours and Activities in Koh Lanta

Here are a few actual costs in Koh Lanta for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Mangrove Tour by Kayaking in Ko Lanta With Lunch: $23
  • Koh Lanta Mangrove and Monkey Point Longtail Boat Tour: $24
  • Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat): $30
  • Half Day Mangrove and Lanta Old Town Tour: $31
  • Half-Day Thung Yee Peng Mangrove Kayaking Adventure: $31
  • 4 Island Tour to Emerald Cave by Longtail Boat from Koh Lanta: $31
  • Lanta Mangrove Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking at Koh Talabeng: $34
  • Sea Cave and Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $36
  • Lanta 4 Islands + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour: $36
  • 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat with Snorkeling: $49
  • Tin Adventure Sea Tour to 4 Islands & Emerald Cave from Koh Lanta: $50
  • Lanta Old Town and Mangrove Forest Sightseeing Tour: $50

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
  • Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
  • Xi’an City Wall – E-Ticket: $15
  • Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
  • Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
  • Huaqing Palace Tickets with Optional show of Xi'an incident: $19
  • Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket & Guided Bus Tour with Options: $20
  • Huaqing Palace Adult Ticket[Direct Subway Access]: $20
  • Shaanxi History Museum Admission Tickets: $20
  • Private Car Tour to Terra-cotta Army and Xi'an Ctiy Attrations: $22
  • Xian Day Tour, Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda, Muslim Bazaar: $24
  • Xi’an Private Day Tour:Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda&Pottery: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $4.27
    Xi'an $7.74

Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29


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


Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Xi'an?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 530 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Xi'an, 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.