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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Wellington?

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

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Wellington

Wellington is a funky, compact, and laid-back city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Wellington travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Wellington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wellington. Although Koh Lipe and Wellington are popular destinations, Wellington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wellington is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Lipe attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Wellington is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. It is also well known for Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Koh Lipe is famous for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wellington is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Wellington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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 Wellington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wellington 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, Wellington makes for a great culinary experience. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Wellington know how to have a good time. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Wellington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Is Koh Lipe or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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 people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Wellington?

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

Wellington is an extremely popular place for shoppers. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local 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 Wellington More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Wellington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Wellington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lipe or Wellington Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Koh Lipe or Wellington.

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, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Is Koh Lipe or Wellington Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Wellington is a good island for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

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

Wellington is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow 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 Wellington Better for Students?

Wellington is very good for students. However, Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Wellington can move around easily with public transportation. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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 Wellington a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe and Wellington both are great 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.

Wellington is a very walkable island. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Wellington?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lipe and Wellington. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe than in Wellington. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 2-3 days is enough time in Wellington.

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

One day in Koh Lipe or Wellington?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the idyllic island of Koh Lipe, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Wellington 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 Wellington?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Koh Lipe, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Wellington 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 Wellington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Wellington?

Koh Lipe, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wellington 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 Wellington?

Koh Lipe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wellington 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Wellington, we can see that Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive?.

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

Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Wellington. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lipe in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In October, Koh Lipe is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In October, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin April. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Lipe is December to April. The rainy season in Koh Lipe is May to October.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Wellington in the Winter?

Both Wellington and Koh Lipe during the winter 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 travelers come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Koh Lipe is much warmer than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Wellington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wellington in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Koh Lipe is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lipe in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin October. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Koh Lipe