A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Alice Springs for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Alice Springs?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Alice Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a idyllic, small, and local island. Many visitors also come to Koh Lipe because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a laid back, outdoorsy, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Alice Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Alice Springs travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Alice Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lipe than Alice Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lipe is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Alice Springs is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Alice Springs is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Koh Lipe is well known for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. Also, Koh Lipe is famous for Sunrise Beach.

How is Koh Lipe different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lipe or Alice Springs?

Alice Springs is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lipe or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Koh Lipe and Alice Springs offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Koh Lipe offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Alice Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Alice Springs is very good for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Alice Springs has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

In Koh Lipe, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lipe is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Lipe is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Koh Lipe is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Many people visit Alice Springs specifically for its hiking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Many visitors go to Koh Lipe for the hiking trails. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Alice Springs?

Alice Springs is very good for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Lipe because of it's amazing beauty. Many visitors consider this to be one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It still holds on to that undiscovered quality and the nearby national park offers excellent nature to explore.

Alice Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with beautiful landscapes and dramatic views.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Koh Lipe or Alice Springs.

Koh Lipe is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Alice Springs is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Koh Lipe is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

Alice Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alice Springs is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Alice Springs. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lipe. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koh Lipe and Alice Springs.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Public transit is mostly limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Koh Lipe or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is a great island for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Koh Lipe is a very walkable destination. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Lipe Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Lipe or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alice Springs than Koh Lipe 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 Alice Springs.

One day in Koh Lipe or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the small destination of Koh Lipe. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Alice Springs is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Koh Lipe or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Alice Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Alice Springs, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Lipe. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Koh Lipe or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Lipe. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Alice Springs, we can see that Koh Lipe is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Koh Lipe is in Asia and Alice Springs is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Lipe Expensive? and Is Alice Springs Expensive?.