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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta 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. Khao Lak is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a colorful, youthful, and cultural city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Khao Lak and Yogyakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Yogyakarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta. Although Khao Lak and Yogyakarta are popular destinations, Yogyakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yogyakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, 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. Yogyakarta is famous for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also well known for Borobudur Temple.

How is Khao Lak different from Yogyakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yogyakarta is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Yogyakarta that are not to be missed. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

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 Yogyakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yogyakarta 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, Yogyakarta makes for a great culinary experience. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

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 Yogyakarta Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Yogyakarta know how to have a good time. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

If you're looking for night time activities Khao Lak has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Yogyakarta Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Yogyakarta Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is renowned for the beach. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Yogyakarta Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Yogyakarta is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Yogyakarta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Khao Lak or Yogyakarta More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its 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.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Khao Lak or Yogyakarta Better for Families?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Khao Lak or Yogyakarta Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Khao Lak makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Yogyakarta is a good area for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

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

Khao Lak and Yogyakarta are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Many backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Is Khao Lak or Yogyakarta Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a city with good options for students. However, Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Khao Lak is not popular with students.

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

Khao Lak is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Khao Lak has some public transit options. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Khao Lak or Yogyakarta a more walkable city?

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

Yogyakarta is somewhat walkable. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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 Yogyakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yogyakarta or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Yogyakarta?

It's fun to spend time in either Khao Lak or Yogyakarta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Khao Lak due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-4 days is enough time in Yogyakarta.

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

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

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

One day in Khao Lak or Yogyakarta?

With shopping and nightlife around the relaxed area of Khao Lak, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Yogyakarta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Yogyakarta?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Khao Lak, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Yogyakarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yogyakarta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Yogyakarta?

Khao Lak, a popular area, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this area. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta?

Khao Lak is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this area makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this area has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia.

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

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 Yogyakarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Yogyakarta, 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.