A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Atami for Beaches, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Atami?

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 Atami 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. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Atami

Atami is a overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Lipe and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Atami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lipe. Although Koh Lipe and Atami are popular destinations, Koh Lipe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Lipe is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Atami attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Koh Lipe is famous for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. It is also well known for Sunrise Beach. Atami is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Koh Lipe different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atami 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 Atami?

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

Atami is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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 Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Koh Lipe and Atami offer a number of nice 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.

Atami has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Koh Lipe or Atami Better for Nightlife?

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

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife 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 Atami Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Atami Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is renowned for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Koh Lipe or Atami Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Lipe. 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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Atami?

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

Atami is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

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 Atami Better for Families?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Lipe is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Koh Lipe or Atami Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Atami is a good island for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

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

Koh Lipe and Atami are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lipe is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Atami 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 Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

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 Atami a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Koh Lipe is a very walkable island. 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.

Atami is a somewhat walkable island. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Atami or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Lipe or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lipe than Atami 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 Atami.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lipe than Atami. 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 Atami. 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.

One day in Koh Lipe or Atami?

In Koh Lipe, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this small destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Atami offers food and shopping. 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 Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atami 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atami, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Atami?

Koh Lipe is a fun place to experience. In Koh Lipe, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Atami is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Atami?

In Koh Lipe, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food that this idyllic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Atami is a great place to explore. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Atami, we can see that Atami 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Atami Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Lipe or Atami?

Atami has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Lipe experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Atami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Atami. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Atami in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lipe in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Atami averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in July than Atami. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Koh Lipe is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In October, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Atami. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Lipe is December to April. The rainy season in Koh Lipe is May to October.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Koh Lipe during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lipe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Atami because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Koh Lipe is much warmer than Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Atami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In the spring, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lipe in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lipe usually receives less rain than Atami. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe.

Typical Weather for Atami and Koh Lipe