A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Bandung for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak or Bandung?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Bandung 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.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a laid back, relaxed, and friendly area. Khao Lak is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Bandung

Bandung is a cultural, scenic, and laidback city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Bandung travel costs.

Khao Lak and Bandung: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Bandung?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bandung. Although Khao Lak and Bandung are both popular with visitors, Bandung has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bandung is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and shopping, while Khao Lak is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Bandung is popular for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. It is also home to White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey).

How is Khao Lak different from Bandung?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bandung and Khao Lak. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Khao Lak or Bandung?

Bandung is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bandung. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Bandung? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bandung is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Bandung have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Bandung has a better nightlife scene.

Khao Lak has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Bandung has a few options to choose from. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Bandung is not a resort destination.

Khao Lak is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Bandung is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Khao Lak. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Bandung is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Khao Lak. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Bandung is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung Better for Hiking?

Bandung is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bandung. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Bandung?

Bandung is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Bandung is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Khao Lak is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and breathtaking natural landscapes make this a truly beautiful destination.

Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung Better for Families?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly destination. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Khao Lak makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Couples visit Bandung frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak and Bandung are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Many backpackers visit Bandung. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung Better for Students?

Bandung is a city with good options for students. However, Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Bandung is popular with students. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Khao Lak and Bandung.

You'll find some public transit in Khao Lak, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

While Bandung offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Is Khao Lak or Bandung a more walkable city?

Bandung is a great destination for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Bandung is very walkable. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable area. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting? and Is Bandung Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bandung or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Bandung?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Bandung. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Bandung. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bandung.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Bandung. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Khao Lak, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Bandung. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Khao Lak that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bandung than Khao Lak 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 Bandung.

One day in Khao Lak or Bandung?

In Khao Lak, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Bandung offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Bandung?

In Khao Lak, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Bandung is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bandung, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Bandung?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Khao Lak has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bandung is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Bandung?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. In Khao Lak, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Bandung is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Bandung Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Bandung?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 1000 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Bandung, 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.