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

Should you visit Canberra or Khao Yai National Park?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Khao Yai National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Canberra or Khao Yai National Park?

Canberra

There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."

Khao Yai National Park

Adventurous travelers are always in search of new terrain to conquer. At over 2,000 square kilometers, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's second largest national park, and just full of jungles to trek through. In the southwest of Thailand is a sanctuary of mountains and waterfalls.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Yai National Park or Canberra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Canberra is $140, while the average daily cost in Khao Yai National Park is $70. 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 Canberra and Khao Yai National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Canberra $86
    Khao Yai National Park $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Canberra $172
    Khao Yai National Park $82
Compare Hotels in Canberra and Khao Yai National Park

Looking for a hotel in Canberra or Khao Yai 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 Canberra


Hotels in Khao Yai 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: Canberra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Canberra $26
    Khao Yai National Park $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra

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

  • Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $84
  • Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $84
  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $122
  • Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Canberra Transfer: Airport(CBR)to/from City Center: $100
  • Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Canberra or Khao Yai National Park?

Prices for flights to both Khao Yai National Park and Canberra 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
    Canberra $36
    Khao Yai National Park $19
Typical Food Prices in Canberra

For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Canberra $18
    Khao Yai National Park $9.93

Tours and Activities in Canberra

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

  • Family Walking Tour in Canberra in Capital Wonders: $205
  • Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $31
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $15
  • Badass Women of The Women Behind the Capital Tour: $41
  • Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $104
  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $14
  • Canberra Floriade Tour: $125
  • Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $157
  • 2-Day Batemans Bay Kayaking and Camping Tour: $441
  • Best of Wildlife Tour: $92
  • City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $122
  • Floriade Festival and Tulip Top Gardens Tour: $271

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Canberra $16
    Khao Yai National Park $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.59

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

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

  • Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements for 2 - Canberra: $91
  • Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $102
  • Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $126
  • CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $129
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $153
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $167
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $171
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $188


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

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



When is the best time to visit Canberra or Khao Yai National Park?

Canberra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Khao Yai National Park experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Khao Yai National Park in the Summer?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Yai National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Canberra is generally cooler than Khao Yai National Parkin July. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 20°C (68°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. In January, Canberra usually receives less rain than Khao Yai National Parkin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 315 mm (12.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Canberra 20°C (68°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Khao Yai National Park in the Autumn?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Canberra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Yai National Park year-round.

Canberra is much colder than Khao Yai National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.

Khao Yai National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Canberra. Canberra usually gets less rain in April than Khao Yai National Parkin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Canberra 17°C (63°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Khao Yai National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Khao Yai National Park. Most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Khao Yai National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Canberra is much colder than Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Canberra in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

In July, Canberra usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Parkin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Canberra 11°C (52°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Khao Yai National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Khao Yai National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Yai National Park throughout the year.

In October, Canberra is generally much colder than Khao Yai National Parkin April. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 15°C (60°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 30°C (87°F).

It's quite rainy in Khao Yai National Park. Canberra usually gets less rain in October than Khao Yai National Parkin April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 128 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Canberra 15°C (60°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 30°C (87°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Canberra

Canberra Khao Yai National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 19°C (67°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 30°C (86°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 30°C (87°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 225 mm (8.8 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 277 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 315 mm (12.4 in)
Aug 12°C (53°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 385 mm (15.1 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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