A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Arrowtown for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak or Arrowtown?

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 Arrowtown 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 relaxed, friendly, and idyllic area. Khao Lak is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a quaint, quirky, and historic town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Arrowtown travel costs.

Khao Lak and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Arrowtown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Khao Lak and Arrowtown are both popular with visitors, Arrowtown has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arrowtown is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Khao Lak is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Arrowtown is popular for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also home to the Chinese Settlement.

How is Khao Lak different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Khao Lak or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Khao Lak is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Khao Lak is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Arrowtown is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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 Arrowtown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arrowtown is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arrowtown makes for a great culinary experience. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown has a few options to choose from. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Khao Lak or Arrowtown Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Khao Lak. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Khao Lak. 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.

Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Khao Lak is a very popular vacation 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.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Is Khao Lak or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Around Arrowtown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Arrowtown?

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

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

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 Arrowtown More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Khao Lak is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and breathtaking natural landscapes make this a truly beautiful destination.

Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Khao Lak or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Arrowtown are superb to visit with kids.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Arrowtown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Is Khao Lak or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Khao Lak has plenty to offer. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

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

Khao Lak and Arrowtown are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Many backpackers visit Arrowtown. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Khao Lak and Arrowtown.

You'll find some public transit in Khao Lak, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

While Arrowtown offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses throughout the region.

Is Khao Lak or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Arrowtown is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Arrowtown is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are fun 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 Arrowtown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Khao Lak or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Khao Lak than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown than Khao Lak if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Arrowtown.

One day in Khao Lak or Arrowtown?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the area of Khao Lak. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Arrowtown is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Arrowtown?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the serene destination of Khao Lak. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arrowtown, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Arrowtown?

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back area of Khao Lak. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this area makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this area has to offer.

Arrowtown is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Arrowtown?

Khao Lak is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Khao Lak, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Khao Lak and Arrowtown, 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 Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Arrowtown?

Arrowtown has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Arrowtown, 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.