Which place is cheaper, Guilin or Khao Lak?
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 Khao Lak or Guilin?
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 Guilin 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: Khao Lak or Guilin?
Khao Lak
Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesGuilin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Guilin $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $84. 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 Khao Lak and Guilin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Guilin $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Guilin
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Guilin? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Khao Lak Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Guilin $5.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
- Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
- Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $58
- Haikou Meilan Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer, Pick up: $54
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
- One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Guilin?
Prices for flights to both Guilin and Khao Lak 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 dayKhao Lak $61Guilin $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
- Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Guilin $28
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Khao Lak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Conservation Experience: $25
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $52
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- Sky Rock Khaolak Jungle Adventure: $68
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $69
- Full-Day Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave from Khao Lak: $76
- James Bond Island Adventure Tour from Khao Lak including Sea Canoeing & Lunch: $77
- Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $80
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Visit & River Tubing Tour: $80
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- Half day Bamboo Rafting Tour with Lunch: $80
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $46
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill : $55
- GUILIN:kayaking adventure with local guide: $60
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $60
- Guilin English tour guide service : $62
- Private Day Tour: Longji Terraces Cultural Villages and Hike : $69
- Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
- Private day tour :Guilin-LiRiver bamboo boat-Yangshuo Highlights : $70
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Guilin $5.81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Guilin, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Guilin.
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 Guilin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Guilin?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Guilin, 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 Khao Lak or Guilin?
Guilin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Khao Lak experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Khao Lak or Guilin in the Summer?
Both Guilin and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Guilin in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Guilin. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Guilin 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Guilin in the Autumn?
Both Guilin and Khao Lak during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Guilin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Guilin averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Guilin. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Guilin 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Guilin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In January, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Guilin. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Guilin 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Guilin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Guilin. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Lak is a little warmer than Guilin in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite rainy in Guilin. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Guilin 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Guilin and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Guilin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.