A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Qingdao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Qingdao?

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 Qingdao 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.

Where Should I go: Koh Lanta or Qingdao?

Koh Lanta

Located on the southern coast of Thailand is a place populated by long beaches and diving hotspots. Consisting of several islands, Koh Lanta is a large island with nine beaches along the coast. The beautiful scenery makes this a quiet and relaxing spot for tourists. The crowds on this island tend to be older than the party-seekers on Ko Phi Phi so you'll find more activities like serene walks on the beach or travelers catching a sunset.

Qingdao

Qingdao, China, located in the Shandong Province, is a very large city right on the Yellow Sea coast. The city, whose name means "The Green Island" due to it's gorgeous landscapes and interesting geography, was named China's most livable city in 2012. The city is rich in history, having almost become a German territory in 1897 and being occupied by the Japanese during WWI. Evidence of these occupiers is present in much of the architecture around the city, which includes a few Catholic and Protestant churches.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Koh Lanta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lanta is $64, while the average daily cost in Qingdao is $73. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koh Lanta and Qingdao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $28
    Qingdao $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $56
    Qingdao $54
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Qingdao

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Qingdao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Koh Lanta


Hotels in Qingdao


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Lanta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Lanta $6.52
    Qingdao $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Lanta

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Lanta:


  • Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta
    $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao

Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
  • Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
  • Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $54
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $53
  • Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
  • Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Qingdao?

Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Koh Lanta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Lanta $21
    Qingdao $35
Typical Food Prices in Koh Lanta

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:


  • Casual Breakfast
    $5.02
  • Casual Lunch
    $8.48
  • Casual Dinner
    $14
  • Fancy Dinner (for Two)
    $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lanta $35
    Qingdao $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Lanta

Here are a few typical costs in Koh Lanta for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Emerald Cave Tour
    $22
  • Yoga Session (1 Hour)
    $11

Tours and Activities in Qingdao

For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
  • Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
  • Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
  • Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
  • German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
  • Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
  • Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
  • Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
  • Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
  • Private City Tour with Beer & a Delectable Lunch: $220
  • Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
  • Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $4.36
    Qingdao $14


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lanta and Qingdao, we can see that Qingdao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Qingdao Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Qingdao?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Qingdao, 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 Qingdao?

Qingdao 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 Qingdao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Qingdao. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Qingdao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Qingdao averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Qingdao. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Qingdao. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Qingdao in the Autumn?

Both Qingdao 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.

In October, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Qingdao. Koh Lanta usually receives less sunshine than Qingdao during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Qingdao in the Winter?

Both Qingdao 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. Koh Lanta is much warmer than Qingdao in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Qingdao. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Lanta 27°C (80°F) 
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Qingdao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round.

In the spring, Koh Lanta is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Qingdao averages at about 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Lanta 29°C (85°F) 
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Qingdao and Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Qingdao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)