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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell 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. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a historical, cultural, and outdoorsy town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Cromwell travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Cromwell?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lipe. Although Koh Lipe and Cromwell are popular destinations, Koh Lipe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Lipe is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cromwell attracts visitors for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Cromwell is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. 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.

How is Koh Lipe different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Koh Lipe or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is very good for winter skiing. However, Koh Lipe is not a skiing destination.

Cromwell is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Koh Lipe is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Cromwell is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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 Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Koh Lipe and Cromwell 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.

Cromwell has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Koh Lipe or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

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

Cromwell has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

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 Cromwell Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is very popular for the beach. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Koh Lipe and Cromwell.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Many visitors go to Cromwell for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Cromwell?

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

Cromwell is a great destination for shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

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 Cromwell More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cromwell is not a destination known for its 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.

Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lipe or Cromwell Better for Families?

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

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, Cromwell is very family-friendly. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Is Koh Lipe or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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

Koh Lipe and Cromwell 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 Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

Is Koh Lipe or Cromwell 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 Cromwell.

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 Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Koh Lipe or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is a great island for its high level of walkability. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable island. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Cromwell?

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

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

One day in Koh Lipe or Cromwell?

The beautiful island of Koh Lipe offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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.

The town of Cromwell offers 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 Cromwell?

Koh Lipe 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.

Cromwell 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 Cromwell, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Cromwell?

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

Cromwell 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 Cromwell?

Koh Lipe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lipe has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Cromwell 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 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

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 Cromwell Expensive?.