A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Arrowtown for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Arrowtown?

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 Arrowtown can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a quaint, quirky, and historic town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Koh Lipe and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Arrowtown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Koh Lipe and Arrowtown are both popular with visitors, Arrowtown has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arrowtown is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Koh Lipe is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Arrowtown is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also home to the Chinese Settlement. Koh Lipe is popular for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Koh Lipe or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Koh Lipe is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Koh Lipe is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Arrowtown is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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 Arrowtown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arrowtown is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arrowtown makes for a great culinary experience. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Koh Lipe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Koh Lipe or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

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

Arrowtown has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

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 Arrowtown Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Lipe. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Arrowtown Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lipe is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Lipe is not to be missed. 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.

Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Lipe is a very popular vacation 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.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Koh Lipe does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Arrowtown. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Koh Lipe does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lipe or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown specifically for its hiking. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

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 Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is a great destination for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

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 Arrowtown Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Koh Lipe or Arrowtown.

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, Arrowtown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Is Koh Lipe or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is terrific for romance. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Lipe 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.

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Koh Lipe or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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

Arrowtown is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Arrowtown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses throughout the region.

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

Is Koh Lipe or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Koh Lipe is very walkable. 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.

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Lipe or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lipe than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

One day in Koh Lipe or Arrowtown?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Koh Lipe. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Arrowtown is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Koh Lipe or Arrowtown?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the idyllic destination of Koh Lipe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arrowtown, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Arrowtown?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic island of Koh Lipe. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown?

Koh Lipe is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Lipe, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown 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 Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lipe and Arrowtown, we can see that Arrowtown is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lipe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Lipe is in Asia and Arrowtown 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 Lipe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lipe 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 Arrowtown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arrowtown than you might in Koh Lipe.

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 Arrowtown Expensive?.