Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo 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.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Yangshuo?
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 Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo?
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.
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesYangshuo Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Yangshuo $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $86. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Yangshuo $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Yangshuo $52
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Yangshuo? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Yangshuo $43
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
- From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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
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Food Meals for one dayKhao Lak $61Yangshuo $33
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Yangshuo $24
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
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking : $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Ticket of Impression Sanjie Liu Show: $62
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Yangshuo $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Yangshuo, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo.
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 Yangshuo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the Summer?
Both Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 30°C (86°F).
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In October, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Yangshuo. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Yangshuo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Yangshuo. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Lak is much warmer than Yangshuo in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Yangshuo. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Yangshuo in the Spring?
Both Yangshuo 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 a little warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.