Which place is cheaper, Yichang 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 Yichang?
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 Yichang 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 Yichang?
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.
Yichang
Yichang, China is an ancient city situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in central China. The city is located just below the famed Three Gorges Dam and is a popular ending point for many Yangtze River cruises. Yichang offers beautiful natural scenery and ancient relics from the Three Kingdom Period.
Yichang experiences cool, rainy, winters and hot, humid, summers. Temperatures tend to stay in the 40's Fahrenheit during winter and the 80's in the summer. Spring, Summer, and Autumn are fantastic times to visit, although if you prefer to beat the heat, stay away during late summer!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesYichang Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Yichang $74
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Yichang is $74. 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 Yichang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Yichang $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Yichang $50
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Yichang
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Yichang? 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 $60Yichang $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yichang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yichang:
- Private transfer from Yichang to Zhangjiajie: $290
- Yichang Airport Transfer Service, Yichang train station Pick up: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Yichang?
Prices for flights to both Yichang 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 $61Yichang $38
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Yichang $18
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Khao Lak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Conservation Experience: $25
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $52
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- Sky Rock Khaolak Jungle Adventure: $68
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $69
- Full-Day Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave from Khao Lak: $76
- James Bond Island Adventure Tour from Khao Lak including Sea Canoeing & Lunch: $77
- Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $80
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Visit & River Tubing Tour: $80
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- Half day Bamboo Rafting Tour with Lunch: $80
Tours and Activities in Yichang
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yichang are as follows:
- Yichang Tourist Center to Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH): $53
- Private Day Tour in Yichang to Sanyou Cave and Sanxia Waterfall : $239
- From 5-Day Yangtze River Cruise to Chongqing: $679
- Yichang - Chongqing Yangtze Miracle Luxury 5D4N Cruise: $720
- From Yichang to Chongqing: 5-Day Cruise with Meals: $993
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Yichang $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Yichang, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Yichang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yichang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yichang 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 Yichang.
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 Yichang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Yichang?
Yichang has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Yichang, 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 Yichang?
Yichang 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 Yichang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Yichang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Yichang in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Yichang fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Yichang this time of the year. In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Yichang during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Yichang receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
Yichang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Yichang. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Yichang 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Yichang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Yichang. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Yichang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Yichang averages at about 20°C (67°F).
In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Yichang. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yichang receives 134 hours of full sun.
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Yichang. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Yichang 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Yichang in the Winter?
Both Yichang and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
In January, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Yichang. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Yichang fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Yichang during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Yichang receives 92 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Yichang. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Yichang 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Yichang in the Spring?
Both Yichang and Khao Lak during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Khao Lak is much warmer than Yichang in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Yichang fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Yichang. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yichang receives 129 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Yichang. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Yichang 18°C (65°F)
Typical Weather for Yichang and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Yichang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.