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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin 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 quiet, beautiful, and off-the-beaten-path island. The famous beauty of Koh Lanta is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a small, hilly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Dunedin travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Dunedin?

Both Dunedin and Koh Lanta have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Koh Lanta is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Dunedin is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Dunedin is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is known for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. Koh Lanta is popular for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park.

How is Koh Lanta different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

Dunedin 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 Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

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 Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Koh Lanta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Koh Lanta or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin 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 Dunedin know how to have a good time. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

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 Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is well known for its resorts. However, Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Koh Lanta is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Dunedin is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dunedin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Dunedin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Lanta. 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.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Koh Lanta or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for 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 people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Dunedin?

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

Dunedin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

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 Dunedin More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Lanta is one of the main draws. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lanta or Dunedin Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Dunedin are excellent to visit with kids.

Koh Lanta is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dunedin. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Koh Lanta or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Koh Lanta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

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

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

Dunedin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

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 Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a great destination for students. However, Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

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

Dunedin is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Dunedin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

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 Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Dunedin is a very walkable city. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

Koh Lanta is not a very walkable island. 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 Koh Lanta Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lanta and Dunedin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta than in Dunedin. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin 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 Dunedin.

One day in Koh Lanta or Dunedin?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dunedin. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dunedin has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Dunedin?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer.

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

Five days in Koh Lanta or Dunedin?

Koh Lanta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the hilly city of Dunedin. 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.

A week in Koh Lanta or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Lanta. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Dunedin 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Dunedin, 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.