Which place is cheaper, Datong 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 Datong?
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 Datong 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 Datong?
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.
Datong
If you're looking for an old world city, with a renovated feel, you might want to spend some time in Datong, China. This city was once walled-in and the newest initiative is to rebuild their great wall to maintain their old world charm. Datong is definitely done a lot to make itself a contender in the world of vacation destinations.
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 China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesDatong Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $148Datong $75
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $148, while the average daily cost in Datong is $75. 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 Datong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $56Datong $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $112Datong $50
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Datong
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Datong? 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 Datong Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $58Datong $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $231
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $189
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $103
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $89
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Walk with Hotel Transfer – 2 Hours: $70
- Private Minivan Transfer from Khao Lak hotels to Phuket Airport: $65
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $55
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $46
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to or from Khao Lak: $36
- Phuket Airport(HKT)&Hotel Transfers:Private—Phuket/Khao Lak/Krabi: $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Datong
Also for Datong, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chengdu: Private Round-Trip Transfer to Leshan Budda: $128
- Datong Hanging Temple Private Transfer from Hotel or Station: $69
- Transfer or Tour to Yungang Grottoes&Hanging Temple: $102
- Dunhuang Private Round Trip Transfer to Jiayuguan and Xuanbi Great Wall: $147
- From 4-Day Private Tour to Pingyao with Transfer: $988
- Private Round-Trip Transfer Service to Hanging Temple and Hengshan from Datong: $118
- Private Transfer Service from Yungang Airport to Datong Hotel: $29
- Transfer from Datong Railway Stations to Hotels in City Center: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Datong?
Prices for flights to both Datong 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 $58Datong $37
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: $62
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $67
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $85
- Bamboo Cooking Rafting with Khuk Khak Temple Tour from Khao Lak: $111
- Khao Lak : Bamboo Cooking and Bamboo Rafting Tour: $119
- Khao Sok: Private Day Trekking, Jungle Dinner & Night Safari: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $21Datong $27
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $55
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $76
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $110
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $41
- Cheow Lan Lake Tour in Khao Sok National Park: $125
- Cheow Lan Lake Tour with Cave and Rafthouse from Khao Lak: $121
- Cheow Lan Lake and Diamond Cave Full Day Tour from Khao Lak: $125
- Cheow Lan Lake with Nam Rad Emerald Pool Tour from Khao Lak: $132
- Day Tour with Sea Canoeing at Hong Island from Khao Lak: $94
- From Khao Lak or Phuket: 2-Day Cheow Lan Lake Tour: $312
- From Khao Sok & Cheow Lan Lake Tour with Kayaking: $104
- From Krabi: Surin Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Meals: $180
Tours and Activities in Datong
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Datong.
- Datong Yungang Grottoes Ticket Booking: $24
- Yungang Grottoes Entrance Ticket with Optional Tour Services: $24
- Yungang Grottoes Entrance Ticket Only: $33
- Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Area Pass Ticket Only: $36
- Datong Private Self-guided Tour with Chartered Car: $38
- YungangGrottoe HangingTemple Private Self-guided Tour by Car: $79
- Datong Hanging Temple Wooden Pagoda Self-guided Tour by Car: $95
- 4-8 hours Private Datong Great Wall Tour: $99
- Private day tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple in Datong: $100
- Private Guided Tour of Yungang Grottoes&hanging temple: $130
- Yungang Grottoes and Jinhua Palace 2-Day Tour: $168
- Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes Private Tour: $174
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Datong $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Datong, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Datong much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Datong would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Datong 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 Datong.
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 Datong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Datong?
Datong has a larger population, and is about 620 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Datong, 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.