A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Nanchang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Khao Lak or Nanchang?

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 Nanchang 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 Nanchang?

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.

Nanchang

Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang is a city of southern China with a significant history. Landmarks like the Tengwang Pavilion represent the city's distant past, while its nickname - "the city of Heroes" - comes from the 1927 Nanchang Uprising when the Communist Party began. Today the city serves as a center for politics, economy, culture, science, education, commerce, and transportation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanchang 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Nanchang is $83. 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 Nanchang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Khao Lak $59
    Nanchang $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Khao Lak $118
    Nanchang $40
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Nanchang

Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Nanchang? 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.

Hotels in Khao Lak


Hotels in Nanchang


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 $60
    Nanchang $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:

  • Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
  • Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
  • Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
  • Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
  • Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
  • Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
  • Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
  • Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
  • 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
  • Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
  • 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Nanchang?

Prices for flights to both Nanchang 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 day
    Khao Lak $61
    Nanchang $56

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Khao Lak $22
    Nanchang $4.63

Tours and Activities in Khao Lak

Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
  • 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
  • ATV Adventure: Khao Lak’s Best Off-Road Experience: $127
  • Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $110
  • Bamboo & Phi Phi Islands, Maya & Pileh Bay Day Tour From Khao Lak: $118
  • Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
  • Cheow Lan Lake with Nam Rad Emerald Pool Tour from Khao Lak: $138
  • From Khao Lak : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $118
  • Full Day 3 Spiritual Temple Tour with Lunch from Khao Lak: $83
  • Full Day Phang Nga Bay Highlights Tour: $93
  • Full-Day Rescued Elephant Walk with Guide Tour in Khaolak: $156
  • Full-Day Similan island Snorking Tour By Speed Boat from Khao Lak: $112

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Khao Lak $15
    Nanchang $6.41


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

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 Nanchang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Nanchang?

Nanchang has a larger population, and is about 1100 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Nanchang, 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 Nanchang?

Nanchang 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 Nanchang in the Summer?

Both Nanchang and Khao Lak during the summer 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 summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Nanchang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanchang averages at about 30°C (86°F).

In Nanchang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Nanchang. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 262 hours of full sun.

Nanchang 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 more rain in July than Nanchang. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Khao Lak 28°C (82°F) 
    Nanchang 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Nanchang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Nanchang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.

In October, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Nanchang. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanchang fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Nanchang during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Nanchang. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Khao Lak 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanchang 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Nanchang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Nanchang. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Nanchang in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nanchang fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Nanchang. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 103 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Nanchang. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Khao Lak 27°C (80°F) 
    Nanchang 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Nanchang in the Spring?

Both Nanchang and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Nanchang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Nanchang averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Nanchang during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 116 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanchang. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Nanchang. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Khao Lak 29°C (83°F) 
    Nanchang 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Nanchang and Khao Lak

Khao Lak Nanchang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 229 mm (9 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 30°C (86°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in) 30°C (86°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)