Which place is cheaper, Khao Lak or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Khao Lak?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Khao Lak, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Khao Lak?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Khao Lak $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, 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 Aqaba and Khao Lak in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Khao Lak $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Khao Lak $102
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Khao Lak
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Khao Lak Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Khao Lak $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $48
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Petra Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra, Jordan: $105
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $60
- Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Aqaba Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $70
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Khao Lak?
Prices for flights to both Khao Lak and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $42Khao Lak $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
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.Aqaba $54Khao Lak $19
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- Mosaic Art Experience: $38
- 4-hour sunset tour of desert highlights: $40
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 dayAqaba $9.07Khao Lak $13
When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Khao Lak, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Aqaba is in Middle East and Khao Lak is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Khao Lak Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Khao Lak?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Khao Lak in the Summer?
Both Khao Lak and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Khao Lak during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Khao Lak 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Khao Lak in the Autumn?
Both Khao Lak and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba 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. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Khao Lak. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Khao Lak. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 181 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as Khao Lak in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Khao Lak 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Khao Lak in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Khao Lak. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives less sunshine than Khao Lak during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Aqaba is much colder than Khao Lak. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Khao Lak 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Khao Lak in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Khao Lak. Aqaba 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. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Khao Lak. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Khao Lak. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 249 hours of full sun.
In April, Aqaba is generally cooler than Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Khao Lak 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Lak and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Khao Lak | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.