Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Khao Lak or Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju)?
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.
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
-
Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesCheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Cheju (Jeju) $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Cheju (Jeju) $45
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Cheju (Jeju)? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Cheju (Jeju) $10
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: $73
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKhao Lak $61Cheju (Jeju) $29
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 Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
-
Burger$4.44
-
Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
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 Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
- Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
- Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
- Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
- Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
- Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
- Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju).
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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju) in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju) during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Khao Lak during the autumn 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 autumn, Khao Lak is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju). Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In January, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Cheju (Jeju). Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Lak is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun.
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 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.