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

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Yangshuo?

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 Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo?

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.

Yangshuo

A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.


Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo is $86. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $28
    Yangshuo $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $56
    Yangshuo $52
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Yangshuo

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Yangshuo? 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 Yangshuo


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
    Yangshuo $43
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 Yangshuo

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

  • From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
  • From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
  • Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
  • Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
  • Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
  • Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
  • Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
  • Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Yangshuo?

Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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
    Yangshuo $33
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 Yangshuo

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

  • Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
  • Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
  • The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
  • Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
  • Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lanta $35
    Yangshuo $24
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 Yangshuo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.

  • Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
  • Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
  • Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking : $45
  • Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
  • Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
  • Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
  • Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
  • Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
  • Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
  • Ticket of Impression Sanjie Liu Show: $62
  • Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $4.36
    Yangshuo $34


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


Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Yangshuo?

Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?

Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the Summer?

Both Yangshuo 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.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Yangshuo in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Yangshuo in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Yangshuo. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Yangshuo in the Winter?

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

In January, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in January than Yangshuo. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Lanta 27°C (80°F) 
    Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Yangshuo in the Spring?

Both Yangshuo 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.

Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Yangshuo in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Lanta 29°C (85°F) 
    Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Yangshuo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)