Which place is cheaper, Chongqing 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 Chongqing?
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 Chongqing 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 Chongqing?
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.
Chongqing
Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.
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 in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesChongqing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $147Chongqing $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $147, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $112. 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 Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $56Chongqing $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $112Chongqing $106
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Chongqing
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Chongqing? 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 Chongqing Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $57Chongqing $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: $46
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $94
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Walk with Hotel Transfer – 2 Hours: $71
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink & Transfer: $93
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $192
- Phuket Airport(HKT)&Hotel Transfers:Private—Phuket/Khao Lak/Krabi: $18
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to or from Khao Lak: $37
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $235
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Chongqing Airport Private Transfer: $22
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $25
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Private Transfer Airport Train Station Hotel Luxury Car: $10
- 5-Day Private Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Jiangbei International Airport Transfer 24h Services: $58
- Wulong 3-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Wulong 5-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $687
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier to Hotel: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Chongqing?
Prices for flights to both Chongqing 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 $58Chongqing $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Khao Sok: Private Authentic Jungle Cooking Experience: $54
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Hands-On Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Transfer: $63
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $87
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $99
- Bamboo Cooking Rafting with Khuk Khak Temple Tour from Khao Lak: $102
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary, Rubber Tapping & Coconut Cooking: $111
- Khao Lak Bamboo Rafting and Bamboo Cooking with Waterfall Tour: $119
- Khao Lak : Bamboo Cooking and Bamboo Rafting Tour: $121
- Khao Sok: Private Day Trekking, Jungle Dinner & Night Safari: $179
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- Qingyu Banquet Experience with Show and Dinner: $51
- Be a Chongqinger - wet market tour &cooking class & paper cutting: $59
- Half-Day Cultural Immersion with Cooking Class: $80
- Chongqing Local Food Tour Adventure: $86
- Food Tour with Old Town and Magical Night Views: $93
- Chongqing Food Tour: $93
- Chongqing Cyberpunk City Night Tour Including Dinner: $140
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner or Massage: $150
- Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner: $183
- Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $245
- From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $246
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $21Chongqing $14
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $42
- Khaolak: Phang Nga Bay, Tapu Island, and Panyi Village Tour: $45
- Khaolak Half Day: Phang Nga Bay, Tapu Island & Panyi Village Tour: $46
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Small-Group Guided Tour: $56
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $56
- Sky Rock High Thrill Rainforest Zipline Adventure from Khao Lak: $59
- Khao Lak Waterfalls and Lakes Half Day Cycling Tour with lunch: $62
- Takuapa Old Town Historical and Cultural Day Tour from Khao Lak: $67
- Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Islands Tour By Seastar Andaman From Khao Lak: $68
- Half Day Khao Sok River Tour By Bamboo Raft From Khao Lak: $69
- Half Day Bamboo Rafting, Temple & Waterfall Tour: $72
- Temples Tour in Thailand from Khaolak: $74
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Premium Chongqing Private Tours: Highlights, Night View or Cruise: $10
- Chongqing Luxury Hot Spring and Massage Luxury Meal Private Tour: $10
- Wulong Private Tour All Inclusive: Premium Vehicle & local Lunch: $10
- Premium Chongqing Dazu Rock Carving Tour All Inclusive Best Guide: $10
- Chongqing Cloud Eye Observation Deck Ticket: $11
- Chongqing:Cloud Eye ticket: $12
- 520m-high Eye Skyview Deck Ticket for Adult: $26
- Two Rivers Night Cruise- Yangtze & Jialing Rivers: $40
- Chongqing 1949 Ticket Epic Historical Spectacle: $41
- Chinese calligraphy experience: $42
- Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater Immersive Show Ticket: $43
- Chongqing 1949 Immersive Theater Show Admission Ticket: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Chongqing $7.41
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Chongqing, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Chongqing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chongqing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chongqing 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 Chongqing.
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 Chongqing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Chongqing?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 2330 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Chongqing, 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.