Which place is cheaper, Da Nang 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.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Da Nang 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 is a laid back, relaxed, and friendly area. You'll find world class beauty in Khao Lak as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Khao Lak travel costs.
Da Nang is a accessible, authentic, and coastal city. It's also known for beaches, museums, and nightlife. See Da Nang travel costs.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Khao Lak and Da Nang are popular destinations, Khao Lak has more sights and attractions for tourists. Khao Lak is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Khao Lak is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. It is also well known for Khao Sok National Park. Da Nang is famous for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Da Nang and Khao Lak. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Da Nang is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.
Da Nang is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Some people use this city as a base for exploring other nearby towns. While it has some interesting sights, there aren't nearly as much history as in the surrounding area. The Golden Bridge Hands has become a popular tourist attraction and the nearby Marble Mountains are also a highlight. You can also check out the Museum of Cham Sculpture.
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.
Da Nang is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Da Nang makes for a great culinary experience. The city's local cuisine is authentic and traditional. There are many local dishes to try such as Mi Quang (rice noodles and chicken), Bun Cha Ca (rice noodles and fish cakes), and Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (pork belly wrapped in rice paper).
Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.
Da Nang is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.
The people in Da Nang know how to have a good time. There are rooftop cafes, lounges, and local bars that are cheap and stay open late. You'll find a good number of places along Bach Dang Street, which turns into a walking street at 7 pm.
If you're looking for night time activities Khao Lak has a few options to choose from. 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 luxury resorts are your style, both Khao Lak and Da Nang have excellent options.
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.
There are plenty of resorts in Da Nang to choose from. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.
Khao Lak is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Khao Lak. 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.
Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Khao Lak is terrific for the beach. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.
Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Khao Lak. 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.
Many people head to Da Nang to enjoy the beach. There are beaches within a 10 minute drive of the city, which can get crowded on weekends and holidays. If you want a more peaceful experience, you'll need to go to Son Tra Peninsula, which is where you'll find most of the luxury resorts.
Khao Lak is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.
Khao Lak offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.
Da Nang has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.
Khao Lak is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.
You'll find world class beauty in Khao Lak as well. Stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and breathtaking natural landscapes make this a truly beautiful destination.
Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.
Both Khao Lak and Da Nang are excellent 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, Da Nang is very family-friendly. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities in the area. Amusement parks like Asia Park Da Nang and nearby Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park are fun for everyone. There are also beaches and beachfront resorts that aren't far from town.
Khao Lak is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.
Khao Lak makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.
Da Nang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.
Khao Lak is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Khao Lak is a great area to visit for backpackers. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.
Da Nang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's often skipped by backpackers and other tourists, but those who hang out for a day or two will appreciate an authentic city with genuine Vietnamese culture.
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Khao Lak and Da Nang.
You'll find some public transit in Khao Lak, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.
While Da Nang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 14 bus routes in the city.
Khao Lak is a moderate area for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.
Khao Lak is generally not very walkable. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.
Da Nang is not a very walkable area. The city is very spread out and very difficult to explore on foot. There are some beachfront promenades that are pedestrian-friendly, but most of the city is not.
For even more information, also check out Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting? and Is Da Nang Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Khao Lak or Da Nang to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Khao Lak than Da Nang 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 Da Nang.
Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Da Nang. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Khao Lak, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Da Nang. 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 Da Nang 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.
In Khao Lak, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
The city of Da Nang offers nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
In Khao Lak, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Da Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Da Nang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Khao Lak is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Khao Lak has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Da Nang 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. In Khao Lak, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
Da Nang is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 from Hanoi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Da Nang is $55. 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 Da Nang in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Da Nang? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:
Prices for flights to both Da Nang 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Da Nang, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Da Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Da Nang 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 Da Nang.
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 Da Nang Expensive?.
Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Da Nang, 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.
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Da Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Da Nang. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Da Nang during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Da Nang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Da Nang averages at about 29°C (85°F).
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Da Nang. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in October than Da Nang. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Da Nang. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 158 hours of full sun.
In October, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
Both Da Nang 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. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Da Nang during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.
Khao Lak is a little warmer than Da Nang in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Da Nang fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Both Da Nang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Da Nang. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Da Nang. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 210 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Da Nang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Da Nang averages at about 26°C (80°F).
Khao Lak | Da Nang | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) |
Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) |
Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) |