A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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. Many visitors also come to Koh Lanta because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a majestic, dramatic, and iconic national park. The famous beauty of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums. See Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Koh Lanta and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are both popular with visitors, Koh Lanta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Lanta is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its museums and attractions and hiking. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Koh Lanta is popular for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. It is also home to Long Beach.

How is Koh Lanta different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koh Lanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lanta is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the nightlife.

Is Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Many visitors go to Koh Lanta for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Koh Lanta is mediocre for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are somewhat similar when it comes to the terrific scenery.

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.

Many visitors also come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The national park is home to the world renowned Mount Fuji. This volcanic peak provides a striking backdrop for the region and has long been a spiritual retreat. Within the park you'll find pristine forest, dramatic lava caves, and timeless beauty.

Is Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

Is Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Is Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a national park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a national park with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

One day in Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

The peaceful destination of Koh Lanta offers nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums around the national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 around the majestic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Koh Lanta is a fun place to experience. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quiet island of Koh Lanta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Lanta during the summer 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Also, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the museums and the cuisine.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in January than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

In the spring, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September.

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Lanta