Which place is cheaper, Khao Lak or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Khao Lak?
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 Abu Dhabi and Khao Lak can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Khao Lak?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Khao Lak $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Khao Lak is $112. 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 Abu Dhabi and Khao Lak in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Khao Lak $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Khao Lak $102
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Khao Lak
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Khao Lak? 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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Khao Lak Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Khao Lak $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $99
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Khao Lak?
Prices for flights to both Khao Lak and Abu Dhabi 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 dayAbu Dhabi $45Khao Lak $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour by Pakinnaka School: $56
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $57
- Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour.: $59
- Thai Cooking Class in a Garden with Transfer: $59
- Thai Cooking Class in Khaolak: $61
- 3 hours Khao Lak Cooking Class and Market Visit: $68
- Half-Day Cooking Class and Ingredient Hunt: $68
- 3-Hour Khaolak Cooking Class with Food Market Visit: $69
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $89
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $97
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $97
- Thai Food Cooking Class & ATV Adventure Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Khao Lak $19
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.12
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Walk & Feed Elephant Experience with Pickup: $35
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $37
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $44
- Takuapa Cultural History Half-Day Tour From Khao Lak: $48
- Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour: $51
- Khaolak: Begin the Day with Elephants - Walk and Feed Tour: $51
- Elephant Bathing and Feeding Tour: $52
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $53
- 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $55
- Little Amazon Canoe Ride & Tam Nang Waterfall Tour: $56
- Sok River Canoeing | Half-Day Tour: $58
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Khao Lak $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Khao Lak, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Khao Lak much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Khao Lak is in Asia, 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 Khao Lak would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Khao Lak 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Khao Lak.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Khao Lak Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Khao Lak?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Khao Lak, 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 Abu Dhabi or Khao Lak?
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 Abu Dhabi or Khao Lak in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Khao Lak. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Khao Lak during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Khao Lak in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Khao Lak 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Khao Lak in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Khao Lak. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Khao Lak. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Khao Lak. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 181 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Khao Lak. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Khao Lak 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Khao Lak in the Winter?
Both Khao Lak and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Lak during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Khao Lak 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Khao Lak in the Spring?
Both Khao Lak and Abu Dhabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Khao Lak. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Khao Lak. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 249 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Khao Lak in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Khao Lak 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Lak and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Khao Lak | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.