A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Coffs Harbour for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a tranquil, peaceful, and quiet island. Koh Lanta is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a lively, relaxing, and fun vacation town. Coffs Harbour is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Coffs Harbour travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour are popular destinations, Coffs Harbour has more sights and attractions for tourists. Coffs Harbour is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Lanta attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also well known for the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Koh Lanta is famous for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park.

How is Koh Lanta different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Coffs Harbour is a vacation town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

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 Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour both to be great destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Coffs Harbour has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Is Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Coffs Harbour know how to have a good time. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

If you're looking for night time activities Koh Lanta has a few options to choose from. 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 Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour have great options.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

There are plenty of resorts in Coffs Harbour to choose from. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Is Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour offer great scuba diving or snorkeling.

Koh Lanta is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Is Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour are considered to be world-class beach destinations.

Koh Lanta is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Coffs Harbour offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Is Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Both Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour are destinations which offer great hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Many visitors go to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour?

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

Coffs Harbour is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

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 Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Koh Lanta is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its beautiful coastline and nice mountain landscapes, there is plenty of beauty to explore. There are also nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries where you can immerse yourself in the natural environment.

Is Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular vacation town to visit for families. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Lanta. 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 Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is very popular for romance. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Koh Lanta is a great island for couples, as it 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 Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Coffs Harbour is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Coffs Harbour is a vacation 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 Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

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 Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Neither Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour are walkable places.

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

Coffs Harbour is not a very walkable island. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour?

Both Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than in Koh Lanta. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Koh Lanta 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 Coffs Harbour.

One day in Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the quiet destination of Koh Lanta. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the vacation town of Coffs Harbour. 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 Lanta or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the lively destination of Coffs Harbour. 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 vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful destination of Koh Lanta. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the fun vacation town of Coffs Harbour. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation town has to offer.

A week in Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful island of Koh Lanta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Coffs Harbour is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Coffs Harbour, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Coffs Harbour is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Lanta is in Asia and Coffs Harbour is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Koh Lanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lanta 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 Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour than you might in Koh Lanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour, 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 Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Lanta experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Coffs Harbour. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

In July, Koh Lanta is generally a little warmer than Coffs Harbourin January. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbourin January. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Coffs Harbourin January. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. Koh Lanta usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin April. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Lanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lanta in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Coffs Harbourin July. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in January than Coffs Harbourin July. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Also, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Coffs Harbourin October. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 29°C (85°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun in the spring.

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin October. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Koh Lanta