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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Yokohama?

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 Yokohama 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 this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and food.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a colorful, under-rated, and laid-back city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Lipe and Yokohama: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • 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
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Yokohama?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yokohama. Although Koh Lipe and Yokohama are both popular with visitors, Yokohama has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yokohama is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lipe is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yokohama is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is known for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also home to the Yokohama Chinatown. Koh Lipe is popular for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Yokohama 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 Yokohama specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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 Yokohama? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Yokohama 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, Yokohama makes for a great culinary experience. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

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 Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

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

The people in Yokohama know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

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 Yokohama Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Koh Lipe is well known for its resorts. However, Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is not a resort destination.


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

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Koh Lipe is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Yokohama Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Koh Lipe is terrific for its beaches. However, Yokohama is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Lipe are among the best in 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.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Yokohama Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Koh Lipe is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

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.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Yokohama?

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

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

Yokohama is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

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 Yokohama Better for Families?

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is one of the most popular family destinations. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

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 Yokohama Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Koh Lipe is terrific for romance. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Koh Lipe has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Yokohama is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.


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

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Koh Lipe and Yokohama are good 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 Yokohama. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Koh Lipe or Yokohama Better for Students?

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

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

Yokohama is popular with students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Koh Lipe is not popular with students.

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

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Yokohama 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 Yokohama can move around easily with public transportation. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

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 Yokohama a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe
Yokohama

Koh Lipe and Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is a very walkable island. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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

Should I spend more time in Yokohama or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Yokohama?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Lipe or Yokohama to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lipe than Yokohama 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 1-2 days is enough time in Yokohama.

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

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


  • How many days in Koh Lipe or Yokohama? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koh Lipe 3-7 
    Yokohama 1-2

One day in Koh Lipe or Yokohama?

The beautiful island of Koh Lipe offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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.

Yokohama is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Koh Lipe or Yokohama?

Koh Lipe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Yokohama 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yokohama, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Koh Lipe or Yokohama?

Koh Lipe is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Lipe, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Yokohama 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 Yokohama?

Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Yokohama is a great place to explore. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Yokohama or Koh Lipe?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lipe is $85, while the average daily cost in Yokohama is $124. 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 Yokohama in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lipe $44
    Yokohama $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lipe $88
    Yokohama $138
Compare Hotels in Koh Lipe and Yokohama

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lipe or Yokohama? 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 Yokohama


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 Yokohama Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Lipe $18
    Yokohama $20

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: $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yokohama

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yokohama:

  • Haneda Airport to/from Yokohama Private transfer: $119
  • Haneda Airport: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Yokohama: $148
  • Narita Airport to/from Yokohama Private Transfer: $324
  • Narita Airport: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Yokohama: $264
  • Private Departure Transfer : Yokohama City to Haneda Airport: $119
  • Private Departure Transfer : Yokohama City to Narita International Airport: $239
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Cruise Port to Narita Airport NRT: $114
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Cruise Port to Tokyo: $76
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Cruise Port to Tokyo city hotels: $96
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Port to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): $59
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Port to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): $65
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Yokohama City to Haneda Airport: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lipe or Yokohama?

Prices for flights to both Yokohama 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 $26
    Yokohama $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yokohama

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

  • TAKOYAKI Cooking Class with All-you-can-drink in Tokyo, Roppongi: $46
  • Sushi Roll and Side Dish Cooking Experience in Tokyo: $78
  • 3-Hour Shared Halal-Friendly Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo: $85
  • Ginza Private Walking and Tokyo Local Food Tour: $104
  • Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour: $108
  • Sakuragicho/Noge Walking & Local Food Tour: $114
  • Half-day Cooking Class in Yokohama Local Shopping District: $123
  • Adventurous Japanese Food Tour: $124
  • Experience Izakaya With A Mini Food Tour Of Tokyo: $161
  • Night Food Tour Starting Ginza: $162
  • Yokohama Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • Tokyo Allstar Food Tour: $245

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lipe $23
    Yokohama $29

Tours and Activities in Koh Lipe

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

  • 2 Hours Tour Sunset Cruise Around Lipe: $15
  • Experience the Koh Lipe Backyard including 5 Mysterious Islands: $21
  • Full-Day Koh Lipe 7 Islands Snorkeling Experience with Lunch: $24
  • Experience the Koh Lipe Frontier in the Eastern Adang Archipelago: $25
  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) 1 day Experience: $111

Tours and Activities in Yokohama

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

  • Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia Admission Ticket: $6.29
  • Marine Tower Observation Floor Ticket: $7.58
  • Tokyo Walking Tour with Licensed Guide Shinjuku: $20
  • Family tour with Manhole covers & Vehicles: $22
  • Takoyaki making experience ~Japan's popular street food~: $23
  • Easy Ramen making experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
  • Tokyo Tower: Privat tour, day or night with local guide: $27
  • Experience Comparing Sake and Delicacies in shinjyuku: $32
  • 【Carefully selected】Japanese sake tasting experience: $32
  • 3 Hours Private Edo Tokyo Shinjuku Entertainment Tour: $32
  • Walking tour focus on 5 Architecture and history: $35
  • Small-Group Souvenirs Hunting Tour in Ginza: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lipe $8.18
    Yokohama $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Yokohama

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Yokohama:

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $26
  • Tokyo Hidden Izakaya and Sake Small-Group Pub Tour with Local Guide: $163


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



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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama in the Summer?

Both Yokohama 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 Yokohama for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Yokohama in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Yokohama fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In July, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Yokohama. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Lipe 27°C (81°F) 
    Yokohama 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Yokohama in the Autumn?

Both Yokohama 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 Yokohama in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 175 mm (6.9 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Lipe 27°C (81°F) 
    Yokohama 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Yokohama in the Winter?

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

In January, Koh Lipe is generally much warmer than Yokohama. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (80°F), and Yokohama fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In January, Koh Lipe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Yokohama. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Lipe 27°C (80°F) 
    Yokohama 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Koh Lipe or Yokohama in the Spring?

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

Koh Lipe is much warmer than Yokohama in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Yokohama fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Yokohama. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in April than Yokohama. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 145 mm (5.7 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Lipe 29°C (85°F) 
    Yokohama 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Yokohama and Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe Yokohama
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 25°C (78°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 23°C (74°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in)


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