A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Cairns for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Cairns?

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

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and tropical city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Cairns travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Cairns?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cairns than Koh Lipe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cairns is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Koh Lipe is more popular for its impressive beauty. Cairns is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. Also, Cairns is famous for the Great Barrier Reef. Koh Lipe is well known for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cairns is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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 Cairns? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cairns 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, Cairns makes for a great culinary experience. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

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 Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Cairns is a world class party destination. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Cairns Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Koh Lipe and Cairns.

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.

Cairns is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

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

Koh Lipe and Cairns both offer world-class scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

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.

People travel to Cairns specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Is Koh Lipe or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe and Cairns are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

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.

The beaches in Cairns are among the best in the world. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Is Koh Lipe or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns 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 Cairns specifically for its hiking. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

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 Cairns?

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

Cairns is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

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 Cairns More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Cairns is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Cairns is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lipe or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cairns is one of the most popular family destinations. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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.

Is Koh Lipe or Cairns Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is terrific for couples. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Koh Lipe makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Cairns frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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

Cairns is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cairns is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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

Cairns 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 Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

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 Cairns a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options 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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Cairns?

In either Koh Lipe or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe than Cairns because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Lipe or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Koh Lipe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Cairns offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Cairns?

Koh Lipe is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cairns is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cairns, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Koh Lipe or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the local destination of Koh Lipe. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Cairns is a great place to explore. 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 city 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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Cairns, 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 Cairns 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 Cairns Expensive?.

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

Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Cairns. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Lipe is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin January. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in July than Cairnsin January. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns 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, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Cairns in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In October, Koh Lipe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cairnsin April. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 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. The dry season in Cairns is April to October.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns 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. Also, many travelers come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koh Lipe is a little warmer than Cairns. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lipe in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Cairns averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in January than Cairnsin July. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Also, many visitors come to Cairns in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Koh Lipe is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin October. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 29°C (85°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Cairnsin October. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 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. April to October in Cairns is the dry season. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Koh Lipe