A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Cromwell for Couples, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Khao Lak or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell 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.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a idyllic, serene, and laid back area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a historical, cultural, and outdoorsy town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Khao Lak and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Cromwell?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Khao Lak and Cromwell are popular destinations, Khao Lak has more sights and attractions for tourists. Khao Lak is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cromwell attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, hiking, and small town charm. Khao Lak is more touristy than Cromwell and is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. It is also well known for Khao Sok National Park. Cromwell is famous for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Khao Lak different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cromwell and Khao Lak. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a town with good options for winter skiing. However, Khao Lak is not a skiing destination.

Cromwell is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Khao Lak is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Khao Lak or Cromwell?

Cromwell is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

Cromwell is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Khao Lak and Cromwell can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Khao Lak offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Cromwell has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Cromwell has a better nightlife scene.

Khao Lak has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Cromwell has a few options to choose from. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a great area for its luxury resorts. However, Cromwell is not a resort destination.

In Khao Lak, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Cromwell is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is a great area for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Khao Lak is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is very popular for the beache. However, Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Khao Lak is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Cromwell is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cromwell. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Cromwell?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cromwell and Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is a great destination for shopping. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cromwell. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Cromwell are great to visit with kids.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly place to visit. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cromwell is very family-friendly. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Khao Lak is a great area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak is a great area for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Khao Lak is a area with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

While Khao Lak offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

Public transit is generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Khao Lak or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Cromwell is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Cromwell is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable.

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable area. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting? and Is Cromwell Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Khao Lak or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Khao Lak than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Cromwell. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Khao Lak that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Khao Lak than Cromwell if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Khao Lak.

One day in Khao Lak or Cromwell?

The beautiful area of Khao Lak offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The town of Cromwell offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Cromwell?

Khao Lak is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cromwell is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cromwell, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Cromwell?

Khao Lak is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Khao Lak, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cromwell is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Cromwell?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Khao Lak has to offer. This area offers something for everyone.

Cromwell is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Cromwell, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Cromwell much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Khao Lak is in Asia and Cromwell is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cromwell would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cromwell 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 Cromwell.

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 Cromwell Expensive?.