A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Krabi vs. Koh Lanta for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Krabi or Koh Lanta?

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 Krabi and Koh Lanta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Krabi

Krabi is a colorful, stunning, and local town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path, and tranquil island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Krabi and Koh Lanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Koh Lanta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Krabi and Koh Lanta are popular destinations, Koh Lanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Lanta is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Krabi is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. Koh Lanta is famous for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. It is also well known for Long Beach.

How is Krabi different from Koh Lanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Krabi or Koh Lanta?

Krabi is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Krabi. In the area you'll find mountain top temples such as Wat Tham Suea and natural spots such as Khao Khanap Nam Cave. In town there's the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram temple as well.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

Is the Food Better in Krabi or Koh Lanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Koh Lanta. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Krabi. It's not particularly known for its culinary scene, but Krabi Town does have great street food and a lively night market. For some of the best restaurants, head to Chao Fah Road.

Is Krabi or Koh Lanta Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Krabi and Koh Lanta.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Krabi. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.

Koh Lanta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

Is Krabi or Koh Lanta Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Lanta. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Krabi offers a few options. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Is Krabi or Koh Lanta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Koh Lanta. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Krabi or Koh Lanta Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Lanta is a very popular vacation destination. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

You can check out the beach in Krabi. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Is Krabi or Koh Lanta Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Lanta. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Koh Lanta?

Krabi is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Krabi is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town's night market is fun to explore. There's also the popular Krabi Town Walking Street (where you'll find the night market) as well as some larger stores and small malls near town.

Shopping in Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Is Krabi or Koh Lanta Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Koh Lanta.

Krabi is a very family-friendly destination. The town makes a great base for island hopping and exploring the province of Krabi. Nearby you'll find Krabi Fun Park, which includes a ropes course. There are also caves nearby to explore and plenty of stunning natural beauty.

Koh Lanta is a very kid-friendly town. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

Is Krabi or Koh Lanta Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Lanta has plenty to offer. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

Couples visit Krabi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There's easy access to many beautiful areas with caves, viewpoints, and beaches. Krabi Walking Street also has great restaurants and a lively night market.

Is Krabi or Koh Lanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi and Koh Lanta are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Krabi is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a more local vibe, as many backpackers head on to Ao Nang or Railay Beach. You'll find affordable accommodation here though, as well as easy access to some great excursions.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lanta. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

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

Krabi is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Krabi. There's no real public transit so you'll need to get around by rental car, motorbike, or songthaew truck (pickup trucks with seats in back).

Public transit is quite limited in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Krabi or Koh Lanta a more walkable city?

Krabi is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Krabi is a somewhat walkable place. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.

Koh Lanta is not a very walkable town. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

For even more information, also check out Is Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Lanta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Lanta or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Koh Lanta?

In either Krabi or Koh Lanta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta than Krabi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 2-5 days is enough time in Koh Lanta.

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

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

One day in Krabi or Koh Lanta?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Krabi. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Koh Lanta, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quiet destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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.

A weekend in Krabi or Koh Lanta?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the stunning destination of Krabi. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Krabi or Koh Lanta?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local town of Krabi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Koh Lanta is a fun place to experience. In Koh Lanta, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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.

A week in Krabi or Koh Lanta?

Krabi is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find nightlife and food around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Koh Lanta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Koh Lanta, we can see that Krabi 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 Krabi Expensive? and Is Koh Lanta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Koh Lanta?

Krabi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Koh Lanta, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Krabi or Koh Lanta?

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 Krabi or Koh Lanta in the Summer?

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

August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Koh Lanta. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the summer, Krabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Lanta. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Krabi is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Lanta averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Koh Lanta in the Autumn?

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

December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Koh Lanta. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Lanta during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Krabi or Koh Lanta in the Winter?

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

Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Koh Lanta. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the winter, Krabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Lanta. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 287 hours of full sun.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Koh Lanta in the Spring?

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

The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In April, Krabi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Lanta. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Lanta during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Krabi is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Lanta averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Lanta and Krabi