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

Should you visit Christchurch or Khao Sok National Park?

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

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

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.

The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.

Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.

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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangkok.

When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Khao Sok National Park, we can see that Christchurch 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 Christchurch is in Pacific and Khao Sok National Park 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 Christchurch Expensive? and Is Khao Sok National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Christchurch or Khao Sok National Park?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Khao Sok National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Khao Sok National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Christchurch is much colder than Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Sok National Park this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Khao Sok National Park during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Sok National Park receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Khao Sok National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Parkin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Khao Sok National Park. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.

In April, Christchurch is generally much colder than Khao Sok National Parkin October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Khao Sok National Parkin October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Sok National Park receives 181 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Khao Sok National Park. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Khao Sok National Parkin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Khao Sok National Park and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Christchurch is much colder than Khao Sok National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Khao Sok National Park. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Sok National Park receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Khao Sok National Parkin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Khao Sok National Park and Christchurch during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Sok National Park year-round.

In the spring, Christchurch is much colder than Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 29°C (83°F)in April.

In Khao Sok National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the spring, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Khao Sok National Parkin April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Sok National Park receives 249 hours of full sun.

Khao Sok National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Khao Sok National Parkin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Christchurch