Which place is cheaper, Khao Sok National Park or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Harbin or Khao Sok National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Harbin and Khao Sok National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Khao Sok National Park?
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
Khao Sok National Park
In the south of Thailand, visitors will find a gorgeous getaway of pure nature. The Khao Sok National Park is a jungle reserve that covers over 700 square kilometers, and described as one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the country.
Many say this jungle is over 160 million years old making it one of the world's oldest rainforests. The lush environment of limestone, waterfalls and thickets of vegetation will make any wanderer eager to discover more. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, boars, gaurs, tapirs, gibbons, deer, marbled cats, wild elephants and more. Look to the sky for over 300 species of bird and 38 different types of bats.
You'll find the best time to book is from December to April, better known as the dry season. From June to October there is significantly more rain and the threat of monsoons. Not only does it rain on your parade, but also it causes the leeches to emerge.
To enter the park is a 300 baht fee for foreigners, 150 for children, and 40 for Thai citizens. If someone tries to sell you a ticket for more than that, simply buy one at the park entrance. When planning your stay remember that your entrance fee is only valid for 24 hours. If you're staying multiple days, you'll need to pay up front. Often if you're with a tour, the entrance fee is included in the tour price, but you should inquire about this to make sure.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.
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Harbin Prices
China PricesKhao Sok National Park Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $66Khao Sok National Park $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $66, while the average daily cost in Khao Sok National Park is $126. 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 Harbin and Khao Sok National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Khao Sok National Park $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Khao Sok National Park $56
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Khao Sok National Park
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Khao Sok 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Harbin $1.52Khao Sok National Park $74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Khao Sok National Park?
Prices for flights to both Khao Sok National Park and Harbin 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
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Food Meals for one dayHarbin $24Khao Sok National Park $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $53Khao Sok National Park $33
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Ice and Snow World Ticket Booking: $51
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Harbin Summer Indoor Ice and Snow World Tour: $136
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
- Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $199
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private Half Day Tour to Unit 731 Museum and Sites in Harbin: $218
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.96Khao Sok National Park $6.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Khao Sok National Park, we can see that Khao Sok National Park is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Khao Sok National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Sok National Park than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Harbin Expensive? and Is Khao Sok National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Harbin or Khao Sok National Park?
Harbin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Khao Sok National Park experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Harbin or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Khao Sok National Park. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.
In the summer, Harbin is cooler than Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Harbin in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Khao Sok National Park. Harbin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Harbin usually gets less rain in July than Khao Sok National Park. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHarbin 24°C (75°F)Khao Sok National Park 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Khao Sok National Park in the Autumn?
Both Khao Sok National Park and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Harbin is generally much colder than Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around 7°C (44°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. In October, Harbin usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHarbin 7°C (44°F)Khao Sok National Park 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Khao Sok National Park in the Winter?
Both Khao Sok National Park and Harbin during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Sok National Park year-round.
It's quite cold in Harbin in the winter. Harbin is much colder than Khao Sok National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around -18°C (-0°F) in January, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Harbin usually gets less rain in January than Khao Sok National Park. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Khao Sok National Park 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Khao Sok National Park in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Khao Sok National Park. Khao Sok National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Harbin is much colder than Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Harbin in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 29°C (83°F).
Khao Sok National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Harbin usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHarbin 8°C (46°F)Khao Sok National Park 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Harbin
| Harbin | Khao Sok National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.