Which place is cheaper, Khao Lak or Chumphon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chumphon or Khao Lak?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chumphon or Khao Lak? 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: Chumphon or Khao Lak?
Chumphon
Sometimes tourism has a tendency to spoil the natural beauty of a place. This is not the case in the magical city of Chumphon, Thailand. As the gateway to the Chumphon Archipelago, this city has maintained natural, untouched beauty. Its miles of coastline are full of fine beaches with fishing, swimming and a number of other activities.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 2-Week Tours from Bangkok, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChumphon $36Khao Lak $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Chumphon is $36, 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 Chumphon and Khao Lak in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChumphon $16Khao Lak $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChumphon $32Khao Lak $102
Compare Hotels in Chumphon and Khao Lak
Looking for a hotel in Chumphon 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: Chumphon Hotel Prices and Khao Lak Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chumphon $6.32Khao Lak $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $120
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $45
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- Private Airport Transfer in Khao Lak: $34
- Premium Similan Island Day Trip with lunch and transfer pick up: $98
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Krabi airport to Khao Lak any hotel Private transfer: $90
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $112
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $57
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $107
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Chumphon or Khao Lak?
Prices for flights to both Khao Lak and Chumphon 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 dayChumphon $13Khao Lak $31
Typical Food Prices in Chumphon
For Chumphon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Ice Cream$0.16
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Fruit at the Market$0.55
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Breakfast$1.09
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.: $60
- Thai Cooking Class in a Garden with Transfer: $60
- Thai Cooking Class in Khaolak: $62
- 3 hours Khao Lak Cooking Class and Market Visit: $68
- Half-Day Cooking Class and Ingredient Hunt: $68
- Khaolak Finger Food Tour with Cabaret Show: $84
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $90
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $98
- Khaolak Thai Culinary Cooking Class and Natural waterfall Escape: $98
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chumphon $10Khao Lak $19
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hours-Early Bird Guide Tour in Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary: $68
- 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $56
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $38
- Cheow Lan Lake: 2-Day Guided Tour with Meals and Activities: $178
- Day Tour with Sea Canoeing at Hong Island from Khao Lak: $82
- Evening Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Free 1 Cocktail: $50
- From Khao Lak Or Khok Kloi : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $104
- From James Bond Island & Koh Panyi Speedboat Tour: $97
- From Khao Sok & Cheow Lan Lake Tour with Kayaking: $96
- From Khao Sok Jungle Hike & River Tour: $89
- From Khao Sok Lake, Bamboo Rafting and Cave Tour: $107
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChumphon $11Khao Lak $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chumphon
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chumphon are as follows:
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Beer (2)$3.82
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chumphon and Khao Lak, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Chumphon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chumphon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chumphon 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 Chumphon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chumphon Expensive? and Is Khao Lak Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chumphon or Khao Lak?
Chumphon has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Chumphon 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 Chumphon 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 Chumphon or Khao Lak in the Summer?
Both Khao Lak and Chumphon during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chumphon 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chumphon. Chumphon usually gets less rain in July than Khao Lak. Chumphon gets 174 mm (6.9 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. In the summer, Chumphon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Lak. Chumphon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 206 hours of full sun.
Chumphon is around the same temperature as Khao Lak in the summer. The daily temperature in Chumphon averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChumphon 28°C (82°F)Khao Lak 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Chumphon or Khao Lak in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chumphon and Khao Lak. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chumphon 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. Chumphon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chumphon usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Chumphon gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Chumphon usually receives less sunshine than Khao Lak during autumn. Chumphon gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Chumphon is around the same temperature as Khao Lak. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chumphon in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChumphon 27°C (81°F)Khao Lak 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chumphon or Khao Lak in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chumphon as well as Khao Lak. Chumphon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
Chumphon usually gets more rain in January than Khao Lak. Chumphon gets 94 mm (3.7 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. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chumphon this time of the year. In the winter, Chumphon often gets less sunshine than Khao Lak. Chumphon gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 287 hours of full sun.
In January, Chumphon is generally around the same temperature as Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Chumphon average around 25°C (77°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChumphon 25°C (77°F)Khao Lak 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Chumphon or Khao Lak in the Spring?
Both Khao Lak and Chumphon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chumphon 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, Chumphon usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Chumphon gets 74 mm (2.9 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 Chumphon. Chumphon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Lak during spring. Chumphon gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
Chumphon is around the same temperature as Khao Lak in the spring. The daily temperature in Chumphon averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChumphon 29°C (84°F)Khao Lak 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Lak and Chumphon
| Chumphon | Khao Lak | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.