A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Sydney for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Sydney?

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 Sydney 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 Koh Lipe is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Sydney

Sydney is a adventurous, glamorous , and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Sydney travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Sydney?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sydney than Koh Lipe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sydney 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, and impressive beauty. Sydney is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House. 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 Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney 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 Sydney that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sydney 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, Sydney makes for a great culinary experience. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Sydney is a world class party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is well known for its resorts. However, Sydney is not a resort destination.

Koh Lipe is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Sydney is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Koh Lipe specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Is Koh Lipe or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe and Sydney are terrific choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Lipe is a very popular vacation 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.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Is Koh Lipe or Sydney Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Koh Lipe and Sydney.

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.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Sydney?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Sydney is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Lipe is one of the main draws. 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.

Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Is Koh Lipe or Sydney Better for Families?

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

Sydney is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Lipe is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Koh Lipe or Sydney Better for Couples?

Both Koh Lipe and Sydney are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Lipe 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.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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

Sydney is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lipe. 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.

Is Koh Lipe or Sydney Better for Students?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for students. However, Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

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

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

Sydney has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe and Sydney both are excellent 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.

Sydney is a very walkable island. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Sydney?

Both Koh Lipe and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Sydney has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sydney than Koh Lipe. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Sydney than Koh Lipe. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sydney, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sydney than Koh Lipe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sydney that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Koh Lipe or Sydney?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Koh Lipe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sydney is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Sydney?

Koh Lipe is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sydney is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Sydney?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Lipe. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Sydney 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 Sydney has to offer. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lipe and Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

Both Sydney 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, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Lipe is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In July, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Sydneyin January. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Lipe is a little warmer than Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F)in April.

Sydney 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 Sydneyin April. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 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 Sydney in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lipe in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.

In January, Koh Lipe usually receives less rain than Sydneyin July. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Sydney. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

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

Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in April than Sydneyin October. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 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 Sydney and Koh Lipe