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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle 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. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a vibrant, high energy, and trendy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Newcastle travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Newcastle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newcastle than Koh Lipe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newcastle is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lipe is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Newcastle is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is known for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. Also, Newcastle is famous for the Bathers Way. Koh Lipe is well known for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Newcastle 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 Newcastle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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 Newcastle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Newcastle 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, Newcastle makes for a great culinary experience. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

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 Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

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

The people in Newcastle know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Newcastle Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Koh Lipe is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a resort destination.


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

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Koh Lipe is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Koh Lipe is terrific for the beach. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Newcastle is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Is Koh Lipe or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Koh Lipe is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good 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 Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.


Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Newcastle?

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

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

Newcastle is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

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 Newcastle More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Koh Lipe is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lipe or Newcastle Better for Families?

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

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

Koh Lipe is known to be 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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly island. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Koh Lipe or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Koh Lipe is terrific for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

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

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Koh Lipe and Newcastle 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 Newcastle. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Newcastle 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 Newcastle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

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 Newcastle a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe
Newcastle

Koh Lipe is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Lipe or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

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


  • How many days in Koh Lipe or Newcastle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koh Lipe 3-7 
    Newcastle 2-4

One day in Koh Lipe or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Newcastle?

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

Newcastle 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newcastle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Koh Lipe or Newcastle?

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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle?

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.

Newcastle is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Newcastle or Koh Lipe?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lipe is $120, while the average daily cost in Newcastle is $117. 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 Newcastle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lipe $50
    Newcastle $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lipe $100
    Newcastle $90
Compare Hotels in Koh Lipe and Newcastle

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lipe or Newcastle? 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 Newcastle


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 Newcastle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Lipe $21
    Newcastle $8.41

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: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:

  • Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • Newcastle Airport to Newcastle - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
  • Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $80
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lipe or Newcastle?

Prices for flights to both Newcastle 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 $52
    Newcastle $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Newcastle.

  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $69
  • Earp Distilling Co: Date Night with Blending Class & Dinner: $73
  • Cooking Classes at the Yellow Door Kitchen: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lipe $27
    Newcastle $15

Tours and Activities in Koh Lipe

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

  • Experience the Koh Lipe Backyard including 5 Mysterious Islands: $25
  • Full-Day Koh Lipe 7 Islands Snorkeling Experience with Lunch: $27
  • Experience the Koh Lipe Frontier in the Eastern Adang Archipelago: $29
  • Private Experience with Fishing, Barbeque, Sashimi and Snorkeling: $78
  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) 1 day Experience: $127
  • Koh Lipe Beginner Scuba Diving Half Day Tour with Lunch: $131

Tours and Activities in Newcastle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:

  • Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience in Hunter Valley: $14
  • Mead and Honey Tasting Experience: $19
  • True Crime Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Newcastle Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $23
  • Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting Experience in Hunter Valley: $23
  • Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise: $28
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $40
  • Shared Newcastle Harbor Cruise: $43
  • Tree Ropes Course Adventure: $46
  • Lake Macquarie Cruise with Lunch: $46
  • Newcastle Harbour Luncheon Cruise: $47
  • Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lipe $9.42
    Newcastle $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:

  • Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley: $6.66
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting : $10
  • Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $11
  • Newcastle Bar Crawl Experience: $15
  • Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $23
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
  • Wonnarua Sparkling Wine Tasting: $30
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Premium Wine Tasting: $30
  • Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $33
  • Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $35
  • Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $35
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Newcastle, 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. Even though Koh Lipe is in Asia and Newcastle is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Newcastle Expensive?.



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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

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

In July, Koh Lipe is generally a little warmer than Newcastlein January. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Newcastle 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 Newcastlein January. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Koh Lipe 27°C (81°F) 
    Newcastle 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Newcastle in the Autumn?

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

Koh Lipe is a little warmer than Newcastle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in October than Newcastlein April. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Koh Lipe 27°C (81°F) 
    Newcastle 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle 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 Newcastle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lipe in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Newcastle averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

In January, Koh Lipe usually receives less rain than Newcastlein July. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Koh Lipe 27°C (80°F) 
    Newcastle 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Newcastle in the Spring?

Both Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Koh Lipe is generally much warmer than Newcastlein October. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 29°C (85°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in April than Newcastlein October. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Koh Lipe 29°C (85°F) 
    Newcastle 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe Newcastle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (71°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 20°C (67°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)


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