A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beirut vs. Khao Lak for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Beirut or Khao Lak?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Khao Lak. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Beirut or Khao Lak?

Beirut

Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Lak or Beirut?

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 Beirut is $2.77, while the average daily cost in Khao Lak is $155. 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 Beirut and Khao Lak in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beirut $1.26
    Khao Lak $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beirut $2.52
    Khao Lak $118
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Khao Lak

Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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.

Hotels in Beirut


Hotels in Khao Lak


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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Khao Lak Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beirut $0.44
    Khao Lak $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut

Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Beirut-Rafic Hariri Airport Luxury Car Transfer: $25
  • Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
  • Airport Departure Transfer From Your Beirut Hotel: $10
  • BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
  • Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
  • Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
  • Private Departure Transfer: From your hotel in Beirut to Airport: $10
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
  • Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
  • Private Transfer from Beirut to Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:

  • Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
  • Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
  • Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
  • Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
  • Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
  • Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
  • Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
  • Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
  • 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
  • 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Khao Lak?

Prices for flights to both Khao Lak and Beirut 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
    Beirut $1.23
    Khao Lak $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut

For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $35

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beirut $0.26
    Khao Lak $22

Tours and Activities in Beirut

For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Small Group Tour: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos with Hotel Pickup: $10
  • Small Group Tour to Sidon, Tyre and Maghdouche with hotel pickup: $10
  • Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $10
  • Small Group Tour: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos with Hotel Pickup: $15
  • Small-Group Tour: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos with Hotel Pickup: $15
  • Small-Group Tour: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos with Hotel pickup: $20
  • Beirut Walking Tour - Discover Beirut by foot: $30
  • New Cost Saver Small-Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos: $30
  • Guided Small-Group Tour to Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara with Lunch: $30
  • Beirut Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
  • Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $37
  • Chouwen Lake Hike Adventure: A Scenic Day Trip from Beirut: $50

Tours and Activities in Khao Lak

Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
  • 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
  • ATV Adventure: Khao Lak’s Best Off-Road Experience: $127
  • Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $110
  • Bamboo & Phi Phi Islands, Maya & Pileh Bay Day Tour From Khao Lak: $118
  • Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
  • Cheow Lan Lake with Nam Rad Emerald Pool Tour from Khao Lak: $138
  • From Khao Lak : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $118
  • Full Day 3 Spiritual Temple Tour with Lunch from Khao Lak: $83
  • Full Day Phang Nga Bay Highlights Tour: $93
  • Full-Day Rescued Elephant Walk with Guide Tour in Khaolak: $156
  • Full-Day Similan island Snorking Tour By Speed Boat from Khao Lak: $112

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beirut $0.23
    Khao Lak $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut

Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $50
  • Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
  • Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
  • Wine Tasting and Culture : $100
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $104
  • Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
  • PRIVATE Wine Tour in Central Bekaa Valley: $113
  • Half-Day Private Chateau Musar and Ixsir Wine Tour from Beirut: $187
  • Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $235


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

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


Which is Bigger, Beirut or Khao Lak?

Beirut has a larger population, and is about 1130 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut or Khao Lak?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Beirut or Khao Lak in the Summer?

Both Khao Lak and Beirut during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.

Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beirut usually gets less rain in July than Khao Lak. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 284 mm (11.2 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 Beirut. In the summer, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Khao Lak. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 206 hours of full sun.

In July, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beirut 27°C (81°F) 
    Khao Lak 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Khao Lak in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Khao Lak. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Beirut usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Khao Lak during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Beirut is around the same temperature as Khao Lak in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beirut 25°C (77°F) 
    Khao Lak 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Khao Lak in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Khao Lak. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.

Beirut receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Khao Lak. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. In the winter, Beirut often gets less sunshine than Khao Lak. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 287 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Beirut is much colder than Khao Lak. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beirut 13°C (55°F) 
    Khao Lak 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Khao Lak in the Spring?

Both Khao Lak and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. In April, Beirut usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives less sunshine than Khao Lak during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beirut is generally much colder than Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beirut 17°C (63°F) 
    Khao Lak 29°C (83°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Lak and Beirut

Beirut Khao Lak
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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