A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Adelaide for Beaches, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak or Adelaide?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Adelaide can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a idyllic, serene, and laid back area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a friendly, under-rated, and elegant city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Khao Lak and Adelaide: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Adelaide?

Both Adelaide and Khao Lak have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Khao Lak is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Adelaide is known for its museums, hiking, and shopping. Khao Lak is more touristy than Adelaide and is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Adelaide is popular for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Khao Lak different from Adelaide?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Adelaide and Khao Lak. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Khao Lak or Adelaide?

Adelaide is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

Adelaide is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Adelaide? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Khao Lak and Adelaide can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Khao Lak offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Adelaide has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Adelaide has a better nightlife scene.

Khao Lak has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Adelaide has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Adelaide is not a resort destination.

In Khao Lak, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Adelaide is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Khao Lak is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is renowned for its beaches. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Khao Lak is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide Better for Hiking?

Adelaide is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Adelaide?

Adelaide is a great destination for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Adelaide is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide Better for Families?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly destination. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is renowned for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Khao Lak is a great area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Khao Lak is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide Better for Students?

Adelaide is a city with good options for students. However, Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Adelaide is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

While Khao Lak offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

Is Khao Lak or Adelaide a more walkable city?

Adelaide is a great destination for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable area. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting? and Is Adelaide Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adelaide or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Adelaide?

It's fun to spend time in either Khao Lak or Adelaide. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Khao Lak due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-4 days is enough time in Adelaide.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Adelaide. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Khao Lak, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Khao Lak that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Khao Lak or Adelaide?

The beautiful area of Khao Lak offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Adelaide offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Adelaide?

Khao Lak is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Adelaide is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adelaide, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Adelaide?

Khao Lak is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Khao Lak, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Adelaide is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Adelaide?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Khao Lak has to offer. This area offers something for everyone.

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney.

When comparing the travel costs between Khao Lak and Adelaide, we can see that Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak is in Asia and Adelaide is in Pacific, 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 Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Adelaide Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Adelaide?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 630 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Adelaide, 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 Khao Lak or Adelaide?

Adelaide has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Khao Lak experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Adelaide in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Adelaide. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year.

Khao Lak is a little warmer than Adelaide in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Adelaide fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein January. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 330 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Adelaidein January. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Adelaide in the Autumn?

Both Adelaide and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Adelaide for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Khao Lak is much warmer than Adelaide. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Adelaide averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 215 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Adelaidein April. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Adelaide in the Winter?

Both Adelaide and Khao Lak during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Adelaide in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Adelaidein July. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Adelaidein July. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 159 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Adelaidein July. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Adelaide in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Adelaide. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches during these months.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Adelaide in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Adelaide fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Adelaide during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Adelaidein October. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.

Typical Weather for Adelaide and Khao Lak