Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan)?
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 Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan)?
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.
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $104. 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 Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Busan (Pusan)? 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 and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Busan (Pusan) $20
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) 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 $61Busan (Pusan) $44
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
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.43
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Carp Bread$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $53
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
- Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Busan (Pusan) $20
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
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Visit & River Tubing Tour: $80
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- Half day Bamboo Rafting Tour with Lunch: $80
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan Yacht Tour with Music: $26
- Japanese Occupation and Korean War Historical Tour in Busan: $29
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Eden Valley Ski and Snowboard Tour from Busan : $41
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Day trip from Busan - A Spring Adventure!: $47
- Naejangsan Fall Foliage Tour from Busan with Seoul Drop-off: $47
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan Full-Day City Tour with Gamcheon Village, Sea Temple & more: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Busan (Pusan) $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Busan (Pusan) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan).
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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 2160 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan). Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Busan (Pusan). Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 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)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) 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.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). Khao Lak is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Busan (Pusan). Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 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)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.