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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Tokyo?

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

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a idyllic, small, and local island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a cutting edge, high tech, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Lipe and Tokyo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Tokyo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Koh Lipe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tokyo is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lipe is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tokyo is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. Also, Tokyo is famous for The Sensō-ji Temple. 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 Tokyo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo that are not to be missed. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Tokyo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo Better for Nightlife?

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

Tokyo is a world class party destination. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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 Tokyo Better for Music?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Koh Lipe is not a live music destination.

Tokyo is a world class music destination. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Koh Lipe is not a live music destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Tokyo Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is great for its luxury resorts. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Tokyo Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is renowned for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

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.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Tokyo Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is great for hiking. However, Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

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.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Tokyo?

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

Tokyo is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo Better for Families?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is one of the most popular family destinations. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is renowned for couples. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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

Koh Lipe and Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Koh Lipe or Tokyo Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo a more walkable city?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Tokyo on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

Koh Lipe is a very walkable island. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Tokyo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Lipe than Tokyo. 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo.

One day in Koh Lipe or Tokyo?

In Koh Lipe, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this local destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Tokyo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Tokyo?

Koh Lipe is a fun place to experience. In Koh Lipe, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

In Koh Lipe, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food that this small destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Tokyo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tokyo 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

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

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo and Koh Lipe during the summer 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, the summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Lipe is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Tokyo 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 July than Tokyo. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

Koh Lipe is much warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Tokyo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Tokyo. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lipe in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in January than Tokyo. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Koh Lipe is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 29°C (85°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In April, Koh Lipe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tokyo. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Lipe is December to April. The rainy season in Koh Lipe is May to October.

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Koh Lipe