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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan?

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 Dewa Sanzan 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 relaxed, friendly, and idyllic area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a remote, traditional, and religious religious site. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Khao Lak and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Khao Lak and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations, Khao Lak has more sights and attractions for tourists. Khao Lak is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Khao Lak is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan 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. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Khao Lak different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan is a religious site with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

Dewa Sanzan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

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 Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Khao Lak is very good for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Khao Lak is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Khao Lak. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Khao Lak. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Khao Lak is a very popular vacation 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan?

Khao Lak is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Khao Lak is very family-friendly. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly area. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Khao Lak has plenty to offer. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Dewa Sanzan is a good area for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

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

Khao Lak is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Khao Lak has some public transit options. 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 Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Khao Lak and Dewa Sanzan both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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

Dewa Sanzan is generally not a very walkable area. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly area of Khao Lak. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laid back destination of Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This area offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this religious site 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 Dewa Sanzan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the idyllic area of Khao Lak. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Khao Lak. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this area.

Dewa Sanzan 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 religious site 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Dewa Sanzan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dewa Sanzan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan.

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 Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Dewa Sanzan. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months.

In the summer, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails.

In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Khao Lak during the winter 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, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. Khao Lak is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Khao Lak