A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Phuket vs. Koh Lipe for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Phuket or Koh Lipe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Koh Lipe, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Phuket or Koh Lipe?

Phuket

Phuket Island is the tourist mecca of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.

Koh Lipe

Ko Lipe used to be one of Thailand's most gorgeous hidden treasures. While it's still breathtaking, it's certainly not hidden anymore. With a small community of approximately 700 chow lair, or sea gypsies, this region is doing its best to maintain the beauty of its culture and beaches despite the influx of tourism. The rapid development has seen additions of concrete cafes and travel agencies. There are still rich, cultural gems to find in Ko Lipe - you just have to be willing to wander.

Which city is cheaper, Koh Lipe or Phuket?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $119, while the average daily cost in Koh Lipe is $92. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Phuket and Koh Lipe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phuket $66
    Koh Lipe $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phuket $132
    Koh Lipe $94
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Koh Lipe

Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Koh Lipe? 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 Phuket


Hotels in Koh Lipe


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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Koh Lipe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phuket $12
    Koh Lipe $19
Typical Local Transportation prices in Phuket

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:


  • Longtail Taxi (for Two)
    $8.84
  • Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town
    $7.37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:

  • Departure Private Transfers from Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT: $96
  • Departure Private Transfers from Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT: $100
  • Express Boat Transfers between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi: $16
  • Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $65
  • Luxe Transfer Airport - Central Phuket by Mercedes-Benz S-class: $136
  • Luxe Transfer Airport - Central Phuket by Toyota Alphard: $118
  • Luxe Transfer Airport - Central Phuket by Toyota Ventury VIP Saloon: $58
  • Luxe Transfer Airport - North Phuket by Mercedes-Benz E-class: $77
  • Luxe Transfer Airport - North Phuket by Mercedes-Benz S-class: $118
  • Luxe Transfer Airport - North Phuket by Toyota Alphard: $100
  • Luxe Transfer Airport - North Phuket by Toyota Ventury VIP Saloon: $47
  • Luxe Transfer Airport - South Phuket by Mercedes-Benz E-class: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Koh Lipe?

Prices for flights to both Koh Lipe and Phuket 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
    Phuket $23
    Koh Lipe $28
Typical Food prices in Phuket

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:


  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $8.52
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.01
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Thai Noodles
    $2.65
  • Bananas
    $0.74
  • Pizza (for Two)
    $8.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket

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

  • Private Authentic Thai Cooking Class in a Family Home in Phuket: $60
  • Phuket Old Town 15-Taster Food Tour: $63
  • Siam Niramit w/ Ticket+ Buffet Dinner + Transfer: $63
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class including Lunch from Khao Lak: $65
  • Phuket FantaSea: Show with Dinner and Transfers: $75
  • Phijittra Uniqueness Sailing Sunset Dinner Cruise: $79
  • Phuket Cooking Course with Sightseeing Tour plus Kata Local Market (Full Day): $101
  • Dinner Buffet Cruise in Phuket: $109
  • James Bond Island Trip on Luxury Boat & lunch buffet, dinner, water activities: $153
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise on board a beautiful: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phuket $46
    Koh Lipe $25
Typical Entertainment prices in Phuket

Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • One Day Boat Tour
    $27
  • Scuba Diving (Two Dives)
    $74
  • Thai Oil Massage
    $19
  • Surfboard Rental
    $8.84

Tours and Activities in Phuket

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

  • Phuket Trickeye Museum Ticket: $15
  • Original Phuket Discovery Tour: $20
  • Flying Trapeze Adventure in Phuket: $21
  • One-Day Fun and Easy Package: Adventure Golf with Food and Drink in Phuket: $27
  • Phi Phi Islands Full-Day Tour by Express Boat: $43
  • Organized trip Thailand with Hallelujah TOUR Thailand Resturant Car/Bike Rental: $44
  • Phuket Adventure: Monkey Cave, Rafting, Zip Line & Waterfall: $48
  • Phuket Adventure: Rafting, Flying Fox, Cave & Waterfall: $57
  • HALF DAY KHAI ISLAND TOUR WITH LUNCH-Tour by Speedboat from Phuket: $63
  • Full Day Phi Phi Island Budget Speed Boat Tour with Lunch: $64
  • City Tour, Yoga, and Muay Thai Class: $65
  • Phuket, Maiton and 3 Khai Islands Full–Day Speed Boat Tour: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phuket $6.87
    Koh Lipe $8.84
Typical Alcohol prices in Phuket

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:


  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $5.90
  • Beer
    $2.51

Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket

Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bar Crawl Tour: $31

About these numbers

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


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

Both destinations experience a tropical climate with warm weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Phuket or Koh Lipe in the Summer?

Both Koh Lipe and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lipe. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Lipe. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Koh Lipe. Temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Lipe stays around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Koh Lipe 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Koh Lipe in the Autumn?

Both Koh Lipe and Phuket during the autumn are popular places to visit. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year.

December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Koh Lipe. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Phuket is around the same temperature as Koh Lipe in the autumn. The temperature in Phuket is usually 27°C (81°F) in October, and Koh Lipe stays around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Phuket 27°C (81°F) 
    Koh Lipe 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Koh Lipe in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Koh Lipe. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lipe because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

December to March in Phuket is the dry season. In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Koh Lipe. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Phuket is around the same temperature as Koh Lipe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January are around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Lipe is about 27°C (80°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Koh Lipe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Koh Lipe in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Koh Lipe. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koh Lipe. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Koh Lipe. Temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Lipe stays around 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Phuket 29°C (84°F) 
    Koh Lipe 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Lipe and Phuket

Phuket Koh Lipe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)


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Phuket vs. Koh Lipe Travel Comparison

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