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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton 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. Koh Lanta is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a rural, traditional, and charming town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rockhampton travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Rockhampton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rockhampton. Although Koh Lanta and Rockhampton are both popular with visitors, Rockhampton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rockhampton is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and small town charm, while Koh Lanta is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Rockhampton is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. It is also home to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. 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 Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway 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 Rockhampton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Rockhampton both to be excellent 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.

Rockhampton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

Is Koh Lanta or Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Rockhampton has a better nightlife scene.

Koh Lanta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Rockhampton has a few options to choose from. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Koh Lanta or Rockhampton Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Rockhampton to enjoy the beach. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Is Koh Lanta or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Both Koh Lanta and Rockhampton are destinations which offer excellent 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 Rockhampton for the hiking trails. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Rockhampton?

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

Rockhampton offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

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 Rockhampton More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Lanta is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lanta or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

Is Koh Lanta or Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Rockhampton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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

Koh Lanta and Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Koh Lanta or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Rockhampton is a town with good options for students. However, Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

Rockhampton is popular with students. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Koh Lanta is not popular with students.

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

Rockhampton is a town 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 Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

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 Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Rockhampton is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Rockhampton is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct 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 Rockhampton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Lanta or Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton.

One day in Koh Lanta or Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Lanta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Lanta. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the rural destination of Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the peaceful island of Koh Lanta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional town of Rockhampton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Rockhampton?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Koh Lanta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Rockhampton 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 Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Rockhampton?

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

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Rockhampton. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in Rockhampton. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Rockhamptonin January. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

Both Rockhampton 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. Also, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Koh Lanta is generally a little warmer than Rockhamptonin April. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin April. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Rockhampton in the Winter?

Both Rockhampton 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Rockhampton in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.

Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Rockhamptonin July. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Rockhampton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Rockhampton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

In the spring, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Rockhampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F)in October.

Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin October. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 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.

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Koh Lanta