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

Should you visit Cebu or Khao Sok National Park?

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

Should I visit Cebu or Khao Sok 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: Cebu or Khao Sok National Park?

Cebu

Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours 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 Cebu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $66, while the average daily cost in Khao Sok National Park is $95. 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 Cebu and Khao Sok National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cebu $25
    Khao Sok National Park $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cebu $50
    Khao Sok National Park $48
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Khao Sok National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cebu 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 Cebu


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: Cebu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cebu $26
    Khao Sok National Park $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:

  • Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
  • CEB Private Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $23
  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport Private Transfer: $24
  • Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
  • Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $26
  • Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mactan-Cebu International Airport: $35
  • Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $42
  • Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $42
  • Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $42
  • Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
  • Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64

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

Prices for flights to both Khao Sok National Park and Cebu 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
    Cebu $22
    Khao Sok National Park $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu

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

  • Cebu city: Walking Historical and Street Food Tour: $33
  • Private Half Day Ultimate Food Tour in Cebu: $66
  • The Original Cebu Historical Street and Food Tour: $74
  • The Original Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $75
  • Street Food Tour and Historical Sites Adventure: $77
  • Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $97
  • Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $112
  • Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cebu $17
    Khao Sok National Park $31

Tours and Activities in Cebu

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

  • Day Adventure Pass Ticket (All Day Unlimited Rides): $16
  • Cebu City Wonder Tour: $28
  • Cebu City Tour: Temple of Leah and many more: $37
  • Cebu City Tour : $38
  • 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
  • Guided Heritage City Tour: $46
  • Cebu Highlands Tour(Cebu Taoist, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden): $46
  • Highlands Guided Tour w/ Hotel Pickup: $46
  • Cebu City and Uphill Tour: $46
  • Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $46
  • Taoist Temple, Temple of Leah, and Tops Cebu Tour: $46
  • Cebu City: Cebu Heritage & Uphill Tour on Two Wheels: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cebu $14
    Khao Sok National Park $6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:

  • Private Guided Street Food and Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour in Cebu: $200


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

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



When is the best time to visit Cebu 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 Cebu or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?

Both Khao Sok National Park and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu 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 Cebu. In July, Cebu usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


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

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

Both Khao Sok National Park and Cebu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu 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 Cebu. Cebu usually gets less rain in October than Khao Sok National Park. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Cebu is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cebu 28°C (82°F) 
    Khao Sok National Park 27°C (81°F)

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

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

In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Khao Sok National Park. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Cebu is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cebu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cebu 27°C (81°F) 
    Khao Sok National Park 27°C (80°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Khao Sok National Park. Cebu 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. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Khao Sok National Park. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 29°C (84°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


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

Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Cebu

Cebu Khao Sok National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in) 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)