A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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 peaceful, quiet, and beautiful island. Koh Lanta is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Koh Lanta and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Koh Lanta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Lanta is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing and hiking. Milford Sound is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. 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 Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Koh Lanta or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Koh Lanta is not a skiing destination.

People head to Milford Sound specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Koh Lanta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lanta or Milford Sound?

Koh Lanta is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lanta or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Koh Lanta or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lanta is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Koh Lanta. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Koh Lanta or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Lanta to choose from. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Koh Lanta offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

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 Milford Sound?

Koh Lanta is not a good area for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta and Milford Sound are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic 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 Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Milford Sound are very good 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 Milford Sound. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Koh Lanta or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Koh Lanta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Koh Lanta or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lanta and Milford Sound are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lanta is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Milford Sound is a fiord 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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

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 Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Neither Koh Lanta or Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a very walkable island. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Milford Sound?

Koh Lanta and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Koh Lanta because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Koh Lanta than Milford Sound 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 Koh Lanta.

One day in Koh Lanta or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beautiful 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 skiing around the fiord of Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

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 skiing around the remote destination of Milford Sound. 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 fiord has to offer. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Milford Sound?

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 skiing around the breathtaking fiord of Milford Sound. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this fiord makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this fiord has to offer.

A week in Koh Lanta or Milford Sound?

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.

Milford Sound 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Milford Sound?

Koh Lanta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Milford Sound, 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.