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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin 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 laid back, relaxed, and friendly area. The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a small, hilly, and cultural city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Dunedin travel costs.

Khao Lak and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Dunedin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dunedin than Khao Lak, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dunedin is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Khao Lak is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is more touristy than Dunedin and is known for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Dunedin is well known for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. Also, Dunedin is famous for .

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How is Khao Lak different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dunedin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago 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 Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Khao Lak and Dunedin can be difficult as they are each notable 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.

Dunedin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Khao Lak or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Dunedin know how to have a good time. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

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.

Is Khao Lak or Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is well known for its resorts. However, Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Khao Lak is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Dunedin is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

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 Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Khao Lak or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Dunedin is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Dunedin?

Dunedin is a great destination for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Dunedin is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

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.

Is Khao Lak or Dunedin More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. Stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and breathtaking natural landscapes make this a truly beautiful destination.

Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Khao Lak or Dunedin Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Dunedin 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, Dunedin is very family-friendly. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Khao Lak or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

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

Khao Lak and Dunedin are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Many backpackers visit Dunedin. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Khao Lak or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a great destination for students. However, Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Is Khao Lak or Dunedin 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 Dunedin.

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 Dunedin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Khao Lak or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is a great destination for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Dunedin is very walkable. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

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 Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Dunedin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Dunedin. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Dunedin. 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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin than Khao Lak 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 Dunedin.

One day in Khao Lak or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin offers food and shopping. 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 Dunedin?

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.

Dunedin 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dunedin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Dunedin?

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.

Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

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.

Dunedin is a great place to explore. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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 Dunedin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Dunedin, 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.