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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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 idyllic, serene, and laid back area. Khao Lak is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a natural, world-renowned, and diverse town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Rotorua travel costs.

Khao Lak and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Rotorua?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Khao Lak than Rotorua, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Khao Lak is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Rotorua is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and hiking. Khao Lak is well known for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Also, Khao Lak is famous for Khao Sok National Park. Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Khao Lak different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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 Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotorua 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, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Rotorua has a better nightlife scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Rotorua has a few options to choose from. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Khao Lak or Rotorua Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotorua is not a resort destination.

In Khao Lak, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Rotorua is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Khao Lak is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an amazing area to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Khao Lak is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Rotorua?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rotorua and Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is a great destination for 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 is a popular activity when visiting Rotorua. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Khao Lak or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is an amazing area to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and 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.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Is Khao Lak or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Khao Lak is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Both Khao Lak and Rotorua are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Khao Lak is a great area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for backpackers. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rotorua is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Khao Lak and Rotorua.

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.

While Rotorua offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Khao Lak or Rotorua a more walkable city?

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

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Rotorua. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

Families should spend more time in Rotorua than Khao Lak. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rotorua, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Rotorua than Khao Lak. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rotorua that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.

One day in Khao Lak or Rotorua?

In Khao Lak, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Rotorua offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Rotorua?

In Khao Lak, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Rotorua?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Khao Lak has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. In Khao Lak, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Rotorua 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

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 Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Rotorua. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In July, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua 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, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 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 Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua 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. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

Khao Lak usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 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 Rotorua and Khao Lak