A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Tarutao vs. Koh Lipe for Beaches, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a beautiful, undiscovered, and secluded island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lipe than Koh Tarutao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lipe is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. Also, Koh Lipe is famous for Sunrise Beach. Koh Tarutao is well known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Koh Lipe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Lipe and Koh Tarutao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe offer quality museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Tarutao. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Koh Lipe offers a few options for museum-goers. 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 Tarutao or Koh Lipe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lipe is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Koh Lipe is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe offer decent nightlife.

Koh Tarutao doesn't offer many options. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Things get quiet in the evenings 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 Tarutao or Koh Lipe Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Lipe to choose from. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

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

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Lipe. 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.

Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe both offer first-rate beaches.

Koh Tarutao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe, and they are high quality.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe?

Koh Lipe is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Koh Lipe has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. 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.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe Better for Families?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Lipe. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Koh Lipe is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Koh Tarutao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

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

Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Tarutao or Koh Lipe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options 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.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Lipe or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe?

Both Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe than in Koh Tarutao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 3-7 days is enough time in Koh Lipe.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Lipe than Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Lipe.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe?

The beautiful island of Koh Tarutao offers . 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tranquil island of Koh Lipe. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe?

Koh Tarutao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island 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 Koh Tarutao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Lipe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe?

Koh Tarutao is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tranquil island of Koh Lipe. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Koh Lipe. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, and The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe, we can see that Koh Tarutao 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Koh Lipe Expensive?.

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe in the Summer?

Both Koh Lipe and Koh Tarutao during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round.

Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Koh Lipe. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Koh Lipe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Lipe averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Lipe. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Koh Lipe. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year.

Koh Tarutao usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Lipe. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Koh Lipe in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Koh Lipe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Koh Lipe in the Spring?

Both Koh Lipe and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lipe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

In the spring, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Koh Lipe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Lipe averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Lipe and Koh Tarutao