A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

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

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for skiing and hiking.

Koh Lipe and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lipe than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lipe is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing and hiking. Milford Sound is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. Koh Lipe is well known for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. Also, Koh Lipe is famous for Sunrise Beach.

How is Koh Lipe different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Koh Lipe is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Koh Lipe is not a skiing destination.

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

Koh Lipe is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lipe or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lipe is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Koh Lipe is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lipe is not a good area for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Koh Lipe doesn't offer many options. 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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lipe is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

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 Milford Sound?

Koh Lipe is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Koh Lipe has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Koh Lipe or Milford Sound.

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, Milford Sound is very family-friendly. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lipe and Milford Sound are notable 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 Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound.

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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Koh Lipe or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable island. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Milford Sound?

Koh Lipe and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lipe than Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lipe than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the local destination of Koh Lipe. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Milford Sound is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fiord 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 Milford Sound, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the small destination of Koh Lipe. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Milford Sound is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milford Sound, 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Lipe. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 fiord 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 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

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