A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Darwin for Beaches, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak or Darwin?

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 Darwin 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 friendly, idyllic, and serene area. You'll find world class beauty in Khao Lak as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Darwin

Darwin is a authentic, local, and tropical town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Darwin travel costs.

Khao Lak and Darwin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Darwin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Khao Lak and Darwin 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 Darwin attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and hiking. Khao Lak is more touristy than Darwin 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. Darwin is famous for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Khao Lak different from Darwin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Darwin is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

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 Darwin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Khao Lak and Darwin 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.

Darwin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Is Khao Lak or Darwin Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Darwin 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 Darwin has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Is Khao Lak or Darwin Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is notable for its resorts. However, Darwin is not a resort destination.

Khao Lak is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Darwin is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Khao Lak to enjoy 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.

Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Darwin Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is terrific for the beach. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

The beaches in Khao Lak are among the best in the world. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Darwin. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Is Khao Lak or Darwin Better for Hiking?

Darwin 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 Darwin. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Darwin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Darwin 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 Darwin. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Is Khao Lak or Darwin More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Darwin 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.

Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Khao Lak or Darwin Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Darwin are high quality 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, Darwin is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

Is Khao Lak or Darwin Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Khao Lak has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Darwin is a good area for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

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

Khao Lak is notable for backpackers. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Darwin is a good area to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Khao Lak and Darwin.

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 Darwin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Is Khao Lak or Darwin a more walkable city?

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

Darwin is somewhat walkable. There are biking and walking paths around town.

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 Darwin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Darwin or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Darwin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Darwin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Darwin. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-3 days is enough time in Darwin.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Darwin. 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 Darwin. 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 Darwin 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 Darwin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The town of Darwin offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Darwin?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Darwin 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 Darwin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Darwin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Darwin 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 Darwin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the idyllic destination of Khao Lak. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Darwin 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Khao Lak and Darwin, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Khao Lak is in Asia and Darwin is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Darwin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Darwin?

Darwin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Darwin, 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 Darwin?

Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (83°F)in January.

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Darwin during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun in the summer.

Darwin 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 less rain than Darwinin January. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Darwin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Darwin. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.

In October, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin April. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Darwinin April. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Darwinin April. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 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.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Darwin in the Winter?

Both Darwin 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. Also, many travelers come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Darwin in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Darwin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Darwin in the Spring?

Both Darwin 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. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (85°F)in October.

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Darwinin October. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Darwinin October. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 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.

Typical Weather for Darwin and Khao Lak