Which place is cheaper, Boracay or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Boracay?
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 Boracay 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 Boracay?
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.
Boracay
A small island in the Philippines known for its resorts and beaches, Boracay is a little escape. Each beach has its own unique character, each with new treasures waiting to be discovered.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, and The Best Adventure Tours to Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Boracay $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Boracay is $56. 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 Boracay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $51Boracay $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Boracay $46
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Boracay
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Boracay? 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 $52Boracay $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $56
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- Kata Lux Transfers, Tour and Travel: $39
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $57
- Khao Lak any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $92
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Departure Transfer from Khao Lak (Shared or Private): $39
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Premium Similan Island Day Trip with lunch and transfer pick up: $97
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boracay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boracay:
- Airport Transfer to Boracay or vice versa: $26
- Boracay Adventures Transfer Services Via Caticlan: $35
- Boracay Transfer round trip with Island Hopping: $69
- Private Transfer from Caticlan Airport to Boracay: $43
- Shared Transfer from/to MPH for Domestic Passports: $21
- Caticlan: Shared Airport Transfer From/To Boracay: $22
- Caticlan: Speedboat Airport Transfer To Boracay: $41
- Departure: Speedboat Transfer Boracay to Caticlan Airport: $30
- PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER TO BORACAY: $59
- Speedboat Caticlan to Boracay Transfer (Oneway): $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Boracay?
Prices for flights to both Boracay 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 $31Boracay $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour by Pakinnaka School: $56
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $57
- Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour.: $60
- Thai Cooking Class in a Garden with Transfer: $60
- Thai Cooking Class in Khaolak: $61
- 3 hours Khao Lak Cooking Class and Market Visit: $68
- Half-Day Cooking Class and Ingredient Hunt: $68
- Khaolak Finger Food Tour with Cabaret Show: $83
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $89
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $97
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $97
- Twilight Adventure: 1-hour ATV Quad & Dinner Delights: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Boracay $15
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Walk & Feed Elephant Experience with Pickup: $35
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $37
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $45
- Takuapa Cultural History Half-Day Tour From Khao Lak: $48
- Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour: $52
- Khaolak: Begin the Day with Elephants - Walk and Feed Tour: $52
- Elephant Bathing and Feeding Tour: $52
- 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $56
- Little Amazon Canoe Ride & Tam Nang Waterfall Tour: $56
- Sok River Canoeing | Half-Day Tour: $58
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $61
- Khaosok Night Safari Experience (From Khaolak): $65
Tours and Activities in Boracay
Here are a few actual costs in Boracay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Crystal Kayak Photo-op Experience: $6.32
- Boracay - Crystal Kayak phot-op Experience: $9.03
- Flying Donut Water Tubing Experience: $14
- Boracay UFO Adventure: $16
- Sunset Cruise with Water Activities: $16
- Boracay Sunset Cruise: $16
- 2 Hours Boracay Land Tour via Etrike: $17
- Island and Beach-Hopping Boat Tour with Snorkeling: $20
- Boracay Island Rhythm Sunset Cruise: $21
- Stand-up Paddleboard Experience: $22
- Helmet Diving Experience with Photos and Videos: $22
- All-Terrain Vehicle or Buggy Car Experience: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Boracay $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Boracay, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Boracay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boracay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boracay 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 Boracay.
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 Boracay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Boracay?
Boracay has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Boracay, 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.
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.