Which place is cheaper, Hongcun 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Khao Lak or Hongcun?
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 Hongcun 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 Hongcun?
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.
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
-
Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesHongcun Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Hongcun $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $67. 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 Hongcun in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Hongcun $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Hongcun $46
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Hongcun
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Hongcun? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Hongcun $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Hongcun?
Prices for flights to both Hongcun 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKhao Lak $61Hongcun $33
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 Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.91
-
Breakfast of Dumplings$2.10
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Hongcun $17
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 Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
-
Two Entrance Tickets$29
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Hongcun $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Hongcun, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.
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 Hongcun Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Khao Lak or Hongcun?
Hongcun 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 Hongcun in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Hongcun. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In July, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Hongcun 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Hongcun in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Hongcun. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Lak is a little warmer than Hongcun in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Hongcun. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Hongcun 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Hongcun in the Winter?
Both Hongcun and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
Hongcun can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Khao Lak is much warmer than Hongcun. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Hongcun averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Hongcun 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Hongcun in the Spring?
Both Hongcun and Khao Lak during the spring 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 April, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in April than Hongcun. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Hongcun 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Hongcun and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Hongcun | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.