A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manila vs. Khao Sok National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Manila or Khao Sok National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manila and Khao Sok National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manila or Khao Sok National Park?

Manila

A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.

Khao Sok National Park

In the south of Thailand, visitors will find a gorgeous getaway of pure nature. The Khao Sok National Park is a jungle reserve that covers over 700 square kilometers, and described as one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the country.

Many say this jungle is over 160 million years old making it one of the world's oldest rainforests. The lush environment of limestone, waterfalls and thickets of vegetation will make any wanderer eager to discover more. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, boars, gaurs, tapirs, gibbons, deer, marbled cats, wild elephants and more. Look to the sky for over 300 species of bird and 38 different types of bats.

You'll find the best time to book is from December to April, better known as the dry season. From June to October there is significantly more rain and the threat of monsoons. Not only does it rain on your parade, but also it causes the leeches to emerge.

To enter the park is a 300 baht fee for foreigners, 150 for children, and 40 for Thai citizens. If someone tries to sell you a ticket for more than that, simply buy one at the park entrance. When planning your stay remember that your entrance fee is only valid for 24 hours. If you're staying multiple days, you'll need to pay up front. Often if you're with a tour, the entrance fee is included in the tour price, but you should inquire about this to make sure.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Sok National Park or Manila?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Khao Sok National Park is $126. 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 Manila and Khao Sok National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Khao Sok National Park $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Khao Sok National Park $56
Compare Hotels in Manila and Khao Sok National Park

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Khao Sok National Park? 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.

Hotels in Manila


Hotels in Khao Sok National Park


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: Manila Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Khao Sok National Park $74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
  • Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
  • Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
  • Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $38
  • Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
  • Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Khao Sok National Park?

Prices for flights to both Khao Sok National Park and Manila 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Manila $31
    Khao Sok National Park $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.

  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
  • Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
  • Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
  • Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Khao Sok National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
  • A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
  • Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
  • Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
  • Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
  • The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
  • Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
  • Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
  • Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.90
    Khao Sok National Park $6.50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Khao Sok National Park, we can see that Khao Sok National Park is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Sok National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Sok National Park than you might in Manila.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Khao Sok National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Manila or Khao Sok National Park?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Manila or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?

Both Khao Sok National Park and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Khao Sok National Park. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Manila is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Khao Sok National Park 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Manila or Khao Sok National Park in the Autumn?

Both Khao Sok National Park and Manila during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Sok National Park year-round.

Khao Sok National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets less rain in October than Khao Sok National Park. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Manila is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Khao Sok National Park 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Manila or Khao Sok National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Khao Sok National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Khao Sok National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Khao Sok National Park 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Manila or Khao Sok National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Khao Sok National Park. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Khao Sok National Park. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Khao Sok National Park. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Manila is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Khao Sok National Park 29°C (83°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Manila

Manila Khao Sok National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)