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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Hiroshima?

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 Hiroshima 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 because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a park-filled, memorable, and meaningful city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Lipe and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Home to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Hiroshima?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Lipe. Although Koh Lipe and Hiroshima are both popular with visitors, Koh Lipe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Lipe is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hiroshima is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Hiroshima is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. Koh Lipe is popular for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. It is also home to Sunrise Beach.

How is Koh Lipe different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Hiroshima that are not to be missed. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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 Hiroshima? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

Hiroshima 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, Hiroshima makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

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 Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

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

Hiroshima has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

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 Hiroshima Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

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

Hiroshima is not a resort destination.


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

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Hiroshima Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Hiroshima Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

Koh Lipe is a great island for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

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.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Hiroshima?

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

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

Hiroshima is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

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 Hiroshima Better for Families?

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

Koh Lipe is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Koh Lipe is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Koh Lipe or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.


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

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

Koh Lipe and Hiroshima are good 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 Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a great destination for its public transit. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Hiroshima can move around easily with public transportation. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

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 Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe
Hiroshima

Koh Lipe and Hiroshima both are superb when exploring on foot.

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.

Hiroshima is a very walkable island. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Hiroshima?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lipe and Hiroshima. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe than in Hiroshima. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hiroshima.

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


  • How many days in Koh Lipe or Hiroshima? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koh Lipe 3-7 
    Hiroshima 2-3

One day in Koh Lipe or Hiroshima?

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.

The city of Hiroshima offers food and shopping. 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 Hiroshima?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the local 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.

Hiroshima is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hiroshima, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Hiroshima?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the tranquil 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.

Hiroshima is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Hiroshima?

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.

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima or Koh Lipe?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lipe is $85, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koh Lipe and Hiroshima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lipe $44
    Hiroshima $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lipe $88
    Hiroshima $128
Compare Hotels in Koh Lipe and Hiroshima

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lipe or Hiroshima? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Koh Lipe


Hotels in Hiroshima


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Lipe Hotel Prices and Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Lipe $18
    Hiroshima $9.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Lipe

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Lipe:

  • Private Transfer Pak Bara Pier to Hatyai Airport by Van: $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $171
  • Hiroshima port Shore excursion Private transfer: $472
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $228
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $215
  • Private Departure Transfer Hiroshima City to Hiroshima International Airport: $215
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lipe or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima and Koh Lipe change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Lipe $26
    Hiroshima $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hiroshima No1 food!! 'Okonomiyaki'-cooking class: $40
  • Local Favorites Private Night Food Tour: $66
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $73
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $79
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $81
  • Enjoy a Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Hiroshima Family: $90
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $94
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lipe $23
    Hiroshima $5.39

Tours and Activities in Koh Lipe

Here are a few actual costs in Koh Lipe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours Tour Sunset Cruise Around Lipe: $15
  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) 1 day Experience: $111
  • Experience the Koh Lipe Backyard including 5 Mysterious Islands: $21
  • Experience the Koh Lipe Frontier in the Eastern Adang Archipelago: $25
  • Full-Day Koh Lipe 7 Islands Snorkeling Experience with Lunch: $24

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.32
  • Hiroshima Hidden Gems Walking Tour with Locals: $17
  • Visit World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine by sea & Oyster raft tour: $25
  • Kumano Brush Factory Tour and Brush-Making Experience: $25
  • Mihara Goshushi Tour-Walking around the castle town Mihara-: $26
  • Peace Park Tour VR/Hiroshima: $32
  • Original Amulet Making Experience: $32
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $32
  • Traditional Japanese Archery Experience: $35
  • Japanese Traditional Archery Experience Hiroshima : $36
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $37
  • Tea ceremony experience near Atomic Bomb Dome: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lipe $8.18
    Hiroshima $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lipe and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lipe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima Expensive?.



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

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?

Both Hiroshima and Koh Lipe during the summer 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 visitors come to Hiroshima in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Hiroshima in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in July than Hiroshima. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Lipe 27°C (81°F) 
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Also, most visitors come to Hiroshima for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lipe in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Lipe 27°C (81°F) 
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Hiroshima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Hiroshima. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hiroshima can be very cold. In January, Koh Lipe is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (80°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Koh Lipe usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hiroshima. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Lipe 27°C (80°F) 
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Hiroshima in the Spring?

Both Hiroshima and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year.

Koh Lipe is much warmer than Hiroshima in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In April, Koh Lipe usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Lipe is December to April. The rainy season in Koh Lipe is May to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Lipe 29°C (85°F) 
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe Hiroshima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)