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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Taupo?

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 Taupo 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. The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Taupo travel costs.

Khao Lak and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Taupo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Taupo. Although Khao Lak and Taupo are popular destinations, Taupo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Taupo is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm, while Khao Lak attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is famous for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Taupo is famous for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also well known for the Craters of the Moon reserve.

How is Khao Lak different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Taupo and Khao Lak. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Khao Lak or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for winter skiing. However, Khao Lak is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Taupo. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Khao Lak is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Khao Lak or Taupo?

Neither Khao Lak or Taupo offer quality 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Taupo 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, Taupo makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Taupo 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 Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Khao Lak or Taupo Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a great destination for its resorts. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Taupo is not a beach destination.

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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Taupo 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 Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Taupo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Taupo 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 Taupo. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Khao Lak or Taupo More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Taupo 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.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Is Khao Lak or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo 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.

Taupo is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

Both Khao Lak and Taupo are terrific 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.

Taupo is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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

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

Taupo is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures 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 Taupo 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 Taupo.

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 Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Khao Lak or Taupo a more walkable city?

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

Taupo is somewhat walkable. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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 Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Taupo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Khao Lak or Taupo?

In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this friendly destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Taupo offers nightlife and food. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Khao Lak or Taupo?

Khao Lak is a fun place to experience. In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Taupo is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. 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 Taupo?

In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this idyllic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Taupo is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

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 Taupo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Taupo?

Taupo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Taupo, 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.