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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Atami?

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 Atami 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. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Atami

Atami is a overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Khao Lak and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Atami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Khao Lak and Atami are popular destinations, Khao Lak has more sights and attractions for tourists. Khao Lak is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Atami attracts visitors for its museums. Khao Lak is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. It is also well known for Khao Sok National Park. Atami is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Khao Lak different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atami 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 Atami?

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

Atami is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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 Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Khao Lak and Atami can be difficult as they are each nice 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.

Atami has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Khao Lak or Atami Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Atami 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 Atami has a few options to choose from. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Khao Lak or Atami Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Atami Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is renowned for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Atami?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Atami and Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is a great destination for shopping. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atami. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Khao Lak or Atami Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Khao Lak is very family-friendly. 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 Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Khao Lak or Atami Better for Couples?

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

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.

Atami is a good area for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

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

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

Many backpackers 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Khao Lak or Atami 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 Atami.

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 Atami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Khao Lak or Atami a more walkable city?

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

Atami is somewhat walkable. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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 Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Khao Lak or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Khao Lak than Atami 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 Atami.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Atami. 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 Atami. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Khao Lak than Atami 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 Khao Lak.

One day in Khao Lak or Atami?

In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this serene destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Atami offers food and shopping. 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 Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atami 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atami, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Atami?

Khao Lak is a fun place to experience. In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Atami 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 Atami?

In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this friendly destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Atami is a great place to explore. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

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 Atami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Atami?

Atami has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Atami, 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 Atami?

Atami 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 Atami in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Atami averages at about 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Atami. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Atami. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami 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 Atami for the shopping scene.

In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Atami during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Atami. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 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 Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami 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 Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Atami. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Atami in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Atami during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atami. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 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 Atami and Khao Lak