A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Lombok for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Chang or Lombok?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Lombok, 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.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come to Koh Chang because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Koh Chang travel costs.

Lombok

Lombok is a peaceful, laid back, and cultural island. Lombok is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Lombok travel costs.

Koh Chang and Lombok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Lombok?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lombok. Although Koh Chang and Lombok are popular destinations, Lombok has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lombok is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. It is also well known for Mount Rinjani. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Chang different from Lombok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Chang or Lombok?

Lombok is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Lombok is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Is the Food Better in Koh Chang or Lombok? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lombok is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lombok. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Koh Chang or Lombok Better for Nightlife?

Both Koh Chang and Lombok have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Koh Chang. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Lombok has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Koh Chang or Lombok Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, great resorts can be found in both Koh Chang and Lombok.

Koh Chang is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

In Lombok, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Is Koh Chang or Lombok Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Lombok specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Koh Chang has a few snorkeling spots. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Is Koh Chang or Lombok Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Chang and Lombok have world-class beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Koh Chang are among the best in the world. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Lombok is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

Is Koh Chang or Lombok Better for Hiking?

Lombok is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lombok. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Lombok?

Lombok is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lombok. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Koh Chang or Lombok More Beautiful?

Koh Chang and Lombok both are comparable with their world-class scenery and beauty.

Koh Chang is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This jungle-filled island offers stunning beauty without overdevelopment.

The famous beauty of Lombok is one of the main draws. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Is Koh Chang or Lombok Better for Families?

Koh Chang and Lombok are both great destinations for the whole family.

Koh Chang is a very family-friendly destination. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Lombok is a very kid-friendly island. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

Is Koh Chang or Lombok Better for Couples?

Koh Chang and Lombok are both world-class to visit as a couple.

Koh Chang has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

Lombok is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

Is Koh Chang or Lombok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Lombok. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

Koh Chang is a great island to visit for backpackers. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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

Koh Chang is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Koh Chang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

Public transit is generally limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Koh Chang or Lombok a more walkable city?

Koh Chang and Lombok are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Koh Chang is generally not a very walkable island. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Chang Worth Visiting? and Is Lombok Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lombok or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Lombok?

Koh Chang and Lombok both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Koh Chang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 10-14 days is enough time in Lombok.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lombok than Koh Chang 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 Lombok.

One day in Koh Chang or Lombok?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Chang. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Lombok. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Lombok?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the stunning destination of Lombok. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Lombok?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural island of Lombok. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A week in Koh Chang or Lombok?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Chang. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lombok is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one week exploring. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Chang and Lombok, we can see that Koh Chang is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lombok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lombok 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 Koh Chang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Chang than you might in Lombok.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Lombok?

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

Should I visit Koh Chang or Lombok in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Lombok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Lombok. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Lombok. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Lombok averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Lombok in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Lombok. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year.

Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Lombok. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Lombok. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Koh Chang is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Lombok in the Winter?

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

The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February. In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Lombok. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Lombok during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Lombok receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.

Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Lombok in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Chang or Lombok in the Spring?

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

June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. May to September is the dry season in Lombok. November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Lombok. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Lombok. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Lombok averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Lombok and Koh Chang