A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) vs. Khao Sok National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Khao Sok National Park?

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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Khao Sok National Park. 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: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Khao Sok National Park?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.

Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.

The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.

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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Khao Sok National Park?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?

Both Khao Sok National Park and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Khao Sok National Park in the Autumn?

Both Khao Sok National Park and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Sok National Park year-round.

In the autumn, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is cooler than Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Khao Sok National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in October than Khao Sok National Park. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Khao Sok National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Khao Sok National Park. Khao Sok National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally much colder than Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 4°C (40°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Khao Sok National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Khao Sok National Park. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much colder than Khao Sok National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Khao Sok National Park. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in April than Khao Sok National Park. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)