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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo 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 serene, laid back, and relaxed area. The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Khao Lak and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Khao Lak than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Khao Lak is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Khao Lak is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is known for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Also, Khao Lak is famous for Khao Sok National Park. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Khao Lak different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Khao Lak is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Khao Lak offers a few options for museum-goers. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Khao Lak is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Khao Lak area. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Khao Lak is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a great destination for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Khao Lak to choose from. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Khao Lak offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo?

Khao Lak is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Khao Lak to go shopping. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. Stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and breathtaking natural landscapes make this a truly beautiful destination.

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Lake Tekapo are very good to visit with kids.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lake Tekapo is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is terrific for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Khao Lak is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Khao Lak is a very popular area for backpackers and budget travelers. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Khao Lak is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Lake Tekapo is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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 Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Khao Lak than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo. 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 Khao Lak than Lake Tekapo 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 Khao Lak.

One day in Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene area of Khao Lak. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful town of Lake Tekapo offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the friendly destination of Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This area offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Lake Tekapo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Lake Tekapo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxed area of Khao Lak. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Khao Lak. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this area.

Lake Tekapo 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 town 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Khao Lak is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, 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 Lake Tekapo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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 Lake Tekapo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Lake Tekapo?

Khao Lak has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Lake Tekapo, 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.