A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Melbourne for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Khao Lak or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Melbourne travel costs.

Khao Lak and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne. Although Khao Lak and Melbourne are popular destinations, Melbourne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Melbourne is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Khao Lak attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Khao Lak different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Melbourne makes for a great culinary experience. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Melbourne know how to have a good time. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

If you're looking for night time activities Khao Lak has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Melbourne Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is very popular for the beach. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Melbourne?

Melbourne is a great destination for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Melbourne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Khao Lak or Melbourne Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Melbourne are excellent 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, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Khao Lak or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good area for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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

Khao Lak is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Khao Lak or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Khao Lak is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Melbourne is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

While Khao Lak offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Melbourne a more walkable city?

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

Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Melbourne?

In either Khao Lak or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than Melbourne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

One day in Khao Lak or Melbourne?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the area of Khao Lak. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid back destination of Khao Lak. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Melbourne 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Melbourne?

You'll find nightlife and food around the idyllic area of Khao Lak. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this area makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this area has to offer.

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Melbourne?

Khao Lak is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Khao Lak, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

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

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 Melbourne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 2190 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Melbourne. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Khao Lak during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Melbournein July. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Melbournein July. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Khao Lak