A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gold Coast vs. Khao Yai National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gold Coast or Khao Yai National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Gold Coast or Khao Yai National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Gold Coast or Khao Yai National Park?

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.

Khao Yai National Park

Adventurous travelers are always in search of new terrain to conquer. At over 2,000 square kilometers, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's second largest national park, and just full of jungles to trek through. In the southwest of Thailand is a sanctuary of mountains and waterfalls.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, The Best Photography Tours in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, and The Best Eco Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Yai National Park or Gold Coast?

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

  • Gold Coast Prices
    Australia Prices
    Khao Yai National Park Prices
    Thailand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gold Coast $119
    Khao Yai National Park $85

The average daily cost (per person) in Gold Coast is $119, while the average daily cost in Khao Yai National Park is $85. 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 Gold Coast and Khao Yai National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gold Coast $55
    Khao Yai National Park $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gold Coast $110
    Khao Yai National Park $82
Compare Hotels in Gold Coast and Khao Yai National Park

Looking for a hotel in Gold Coast or Khao Yai National Park? 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 Gold Coast


Hotels in Khao Yai National Park


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gold Coast $23
    Khao Yai National Park $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast

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

  • Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: Shared Transfer Sydney CBD: $22
  • Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
  • Private Transfer Gold Coast Airport OOL to City Centre/Brisbane: $48
  • Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $140
  • Mt Tamborine Shuttle Service - Gold Coast Return Transfer: $66
  • OOL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $42
  • Chill Out at Byron Bay Bus Transfer: $72
  • Gold Coast to Byron Bay scenic One Way Transfer: $81
  • Gold Coast Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $21
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $139
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Gold Coast or Khao Yai National Park?

Prices for flights to both Khao Yai National Park and Gold Coast 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
    Gold Coast $47
    Khao Yai National Park $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast

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

  • Brisbane/Sunset, Dinner, Stars/Premium Telescope: $79
  • Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $79
  • Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $87
  • Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $310

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gold Coast $19
    Khao Yai National Park $10

Tours and Activities in Gold Coast

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

  • 1 Hour Amore Tour: $235
  • 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $201
  • 2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $44
  • 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $58
  • 2-Day Dreamworld and SkyPoint Admission Ticket: $87
  • 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $268
  • 30 Minutes Virtual Reality Gaming Experience in Southport: $40
  • Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $39
  • Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast: $220
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Book Private Tour for Banff-Yoho-Kootenay & Jasper Parks: $682
  • Brisbane: Springbrook 7 Waterfalls and Natural Bridge Tour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gold Coast $5.23
    Khao Yai National Park $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast

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

  • Granddad Jack's Distillery Gin Tasting & Talk: $43
  • Queensland Distillery Tour: $76
  • Craft Distillery and Brewery Tour on Gold Coast: $77
  • Sirromet Wine Tasting and Blending Workshop for 2: $84
  • Wine, Distillery & Rainforest Day Tour: $151
  • Private Bespoke Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $161
  • Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $165
  • Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $167
  • Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $198
  • Gold Coast and Craft Brewery VIP Tour from Brisbane: $959


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gold Coast and Khao Yai National Park, we can see that Gold Coast is more expensive. And not only is Khao Yai National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Gold Coast is in Pacific and Khao Yai National Park is in Asia, 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 Khao Yai National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Khao Yai National Park 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 Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast than you might in Khao Yai National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gold Coast Expensive? and Is Khao Yai National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Gold Coast or Khao Yai National Park?

Gold Coast has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Khao Yai National Park experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Gold Coast or Khao Yai National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gold Coast and Khao Yai National Park. Many travelers come to Gold Coast for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Khao Yai National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Gold Coast is cooler than Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gold Coast in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gold Coast usually receives more sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during summer. Gold Coast gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

Khao Yai National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gold Coast usually receives less rain than Khao Yai National Parkin July. Gold Coast gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 315 mm (12.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Gold Coast 25°C (77°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Gold Coast or Khao Yai National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gold Coast as well as Khao Yai National Park. Many visitors come to Gold Coast in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Yai National Park throughout the year.

In April, Gold Coast is generally cooler than Khao Yai National Parkin October. Daily temperatures in Gold Coast average around 22°C (71°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In the autumn, Gold Coast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Yai National Parkin October. Gold Coast gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Khao Yai National Park. Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Gold Coast usually gets less rain in April than Khao Yai National Parkin October. Gold Coast gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Gold Coast 22°C (71°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Gold Coast or Khao Yai National Park in the Winter?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Gold Coast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Yai National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Gold Coast is much colder than Khao Yai National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Gold Coast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Khao Yai National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. Gold Coast usually receives less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during winter. Gold Coast gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Gold Coast usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Parkin January. Gold Coast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Gold Coast 15°C (59°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Gold Coast or Khao Yai National Park in the Spring?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Gold Coast during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Yai National Park year-round.

In the spring, Gold Coast is cooler than Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gold Coast in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 30°C (87°F)in April.

In Khao Yai National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. In the spring, Gold Coast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Yai National Parkin April. Gold Coast gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 262 hours of full sun.

Khao Yai National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. Gold Coast usually gets less rain in October than Khao Yai National Parkin April. Gold Coast gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 128 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Gold Coast 21°C (69°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 30°C (87°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Gold Coast

Gold Coast Khao Yai National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in) 30°C (87°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 30°C (85°F) 225 mm (8.8 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 277 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 315 mm (12.4 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 385 mm (15.1 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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