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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Kamakura?

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

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a small, local, and tranquil island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Lipe as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a charming, laid back, and ancient coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Kamakura travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Kamakura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamakura. Although Koh Lipe and Kamakura are both popular with visitors, Kamakura has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamakura is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Koh Lipe is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kamakura is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also home to the Great Buddha. 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 Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kamakura is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Kamakura specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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 Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamakura 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, Kamakura makes for a great culinary experience. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle 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 Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is a great destination for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Kamakura know how to have a good time. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang 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 Kamakura Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Kamakura is not a resort destination.

Koh Lipe is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Lipe a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Lipe. 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.

Many people head to Kamakura to enjoy the beach. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Is Koh Lipe or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is very good for its historic old town. However, Koh Lipe does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kamakura to see the historical old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Koh Lipe does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lipe or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its hiking trails.

Koh Lipe is a popular spot for hiking. 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 people include a hike when visiting Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Kamakura?

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

Kamakura is a great destination for shopping. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

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 Kamakura More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Lipe as well. 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.

Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lipe or Kamakura Better for Families?

Koh Lipe is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Kamakura is a family-friendly island. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Koh Lipe or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Kamakura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

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

Koh Lipe and Kamakura 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 Kamakura. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

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 Kamakura a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit 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.

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable place. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Kamakura?

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

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

One day in Koh Lipe or Kamakura?

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 coastal city of Kamakura 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 Kamakura?

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.

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

Five days in Koh Lipe or Kamakura?

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.

Kamakura 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 Kamakura?

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.

Kamakura 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 coastal 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Kamakura, we can see that Kamakura 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 Kamakura Expensive?.

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Kamakura. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In the autumn, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lipe in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in October than Kamakura. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. May to October in Koh Lipe is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koh Lipe is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (80°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In January, Koh Lipe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamakura. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura and Koh Lipe during the spring 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, many visitors come to Kamakura in the spring for the beaches.

Koh Lipe is much warmer than Kamakura in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Kamakura 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 less rain in April than Kamakura. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Koh Lipe. May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Koh Lipe