A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Nikko for Couples, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Nikko?

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 Nikko 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. Many visitors also come to Koh Lanta because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Nikko

Nikko is a relaxing, peaceful, and natural town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of Nikko is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Nikko travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Nikko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nikko. Although Koh Lanta and Nikko are popular destinations, Nikko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nikko is very popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Koh Lanta attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nikko is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also well known for the Toshogu Shrine. 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 Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Nikko are among the most recognizable in the world. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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 Nikko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Nikko 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.

Nikko has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Is Koh Lanta or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lanta is a island with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

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 Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Koh Lanta or Nikko Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nikko is not a resort destination.

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.

Nikko is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nikko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Nikko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Nikko Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

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.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Nikko is revered around the world. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lanta or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Both Koh Lanta and Nikko 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 Nikko for the hiking trails. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Nikko?

Nikko is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

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 Nikko More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta and Nikko are somewhat similar when it comes to the world-class 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 Nikko because of it's amazing beauty. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Is Koh Lanta or Nikko Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Nikko are great 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 Nikko. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Is Koh Lanta or Nikko Better for Couples?

Both Koh Lanta and Nikko are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Nikko is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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

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

Nikko is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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 Nikko Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nikko is a great destination for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nikko can get you to some places easily. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko a more walkable city?

Nikko 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.

Nikko is a very walkable town. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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 Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Lanta or Nikko. 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 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

One day in Koh Lanta or Nikko?

In Koh Lanta, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this tranquil destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nikko has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Nikko?

Koh Lanta is a fun place to experience. In Koh Lanta, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Nikko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Nikko?

You'll find nightlife and food around the tranquil destination of Koh Lanta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Nikko?

Nikko has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

Both Nikko 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. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

In July, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Nikko. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

Nikko 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 Nikko. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nikko 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 Nikko. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nikko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Nikko. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lanta in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nikko. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 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 Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko 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, most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 29°C (85°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Nikko. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 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 Nikko and Koh Lanta