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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Shenzhen?

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 Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen?

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.

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

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


Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen is $140. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $28
    Shenzhen $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $56
    Shenzhen $182
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen


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
    Shenzhen $15
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 Shenzhen

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

  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
  • HK Local Transfer in City, Cruise Terminal and Train Station: $88
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer Sevice With Classic Car : $66
  • Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $62
  • Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Shenzhen?

Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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
    Shenzhen $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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
  • Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
  • Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
  • Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
  • Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
  • Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
  • Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lanta $35
    Shenzhen $17
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 Shenzhen

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

  • Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
  • Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
  • Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
  • Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
  • Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
  • Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
  • The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
  • Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $4.36
    Shenzhen $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:

  • Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46


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


Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Shenzhen?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 30°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets less sunshine than Shenzhen. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in July than Shenzhen. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 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) 
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Shenzhen in the Autumn?

Both Shenzhen 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 around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenzhen during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Shenzhen in the Winter?

Both Shenzhen 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.

Koh Lanta is much warmer than Shenzhen in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Shenzhen. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 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) 
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Shenzhen in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 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) 
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Shenzhen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)