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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Koyasan?

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

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a tranquil, idyllic, and small island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a peaceful, serene, and spiritual town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Koh Lipe and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Koyasan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lipe. Although Koh Lipe and Koyasan 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, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Koyasan is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. 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 Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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 Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Koh Lipe and Koyasan 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.

Koyasan has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Koh Lipe or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Lipe or Koyasan offer decent nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Koh Lipe or Koyasan Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a great destination for its resorts. However, Koyasan is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Lipe to choose from. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Lipe. 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.

Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Koyasan Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Koh Lipe offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Koh Lipe does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Koh Lipe does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lipe or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Koyasan?

Koh Lipe is a island with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Koyasan Better for Families?

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

Koh Lipe is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Koh Lipe or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Koh Lipe is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Koyasan is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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

Koh Lipe and Koyasan 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 Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe and Koyasan both are high quality 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.

Koyasan is a very walkable island. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Koyasan?

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

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

One day in Koh Lipe or Koyasan?

In Koh Lipe, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Koyasan?

In Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Koyasan 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koyasan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Koyasan?

Koh Lipe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lipe has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koyasan 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 Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. In Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Koyasan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In July, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan and Koh Lipe during the autumn 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koh Lipe is generally a little warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Koyasan 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 October than Koyasan. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 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.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

Koh Lipe is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In January, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Koyasan. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lipe in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 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.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Koh Lipe