Which place is cheaper, Benxi or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Benxi?
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 Benxi 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.
Where Should I go: Khao Lak or Benxi?
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.
Benxi
Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesBenxi Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Benxi $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Benxi is $118. 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 Khao Lak and Benxi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Benxi $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Benxi $94
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Benxi
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Benxi? 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: Khao Lak Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Benxi $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Benxi?
Prices for flights to both Benxi and Khao Lak 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 dayKhao Lak $61Benxi $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
- Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Benxi $7.41
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Khao Lak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Conservation Experience: $25
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $52
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- Sky Rock Khaolak Jungle Adventure: $68
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $69
- Full-Day Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave from Khao Lak: $76
- James Bond Island Adventure Tour from Khao Lak including Sea Canoeing & Lunch: $77
- Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $80
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Visit & River Tubing Tour: $80
- Half day Bamboo Rafting Tour with Lunch: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Benxi $7.81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Benxi, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Benxi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Benxi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Benxi 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 Benxi.
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 Benxi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Benxi?
Benxi has a larger population, and is about 580 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Benxi, 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 Benxi?
Benxi 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 Benxi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Benxi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Benxi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Benxi averages at about 25°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Benxi 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 Benxi during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.
Benxi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Benxi. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Benxi 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Benxi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Benxi. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Benxi. In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Benxi. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 216 hours of full sun.
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Benxi. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Benxi 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Benxi in the Winter?
Both Benxi and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
Benxi can get quite cold in the winter. Khao Lak is much warmer than Benxi in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Benxi fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Benxi during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Benxi. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Benxi -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Benxi in the Spring?
Both Benxi and Khao Lak during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Benxi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Benxi averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In Benxi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 241 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Benxi. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Benxi 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Benxi and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Benxi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.