Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesGuangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Guangzhou $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $104. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Guangzhou $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Guangzhou $116
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Guangzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Guangzhou $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Chimelong International Circus Ticket with Transfer: $80
- Guangzhou : Private One-Way Transfers to/from Baiyun Airport(CAN): $30
- Guangzhou Airport & Train Station Private Transfer English Driver: $32
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $61Guangzhou $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
- Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Shenzhen Cantonese Dim Sum Cooking Class with Lunch: $86
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Guangzhou $18
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Khao Lak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Conservation Experience: $25
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $52
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- Sky Rock Khaolak Jungle Adventure: $68
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $69
- Full-Day Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave from Khao Lak: $76
- James Bond Island Adventure Tour from Khao Lak including Sea Canoeing & Lunch: $77
- Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $80
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Visit & River Tubing Tour: $80
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- Half day Bamboo Rafting Tour with Lunch: $80
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou：New Cultural Landmark Ticket -Explore Tang Style: $2.56
- 2,000-Year-Old Wonder-Nanyue King’s Tomb Ticket: $3.19
- Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
- Cantonese Heritage Tour with Key Cultural Stops: $6.74
- Discover Private Tour of Culture, Food & Pearl River: $6.99
- Pearl River 1-hour Night Cruise (Optional Piers): $13
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Private Guangzhou Tour with Comfortable Transportation: $16
- Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
- Grandview Museum of Nature Science Ticket: $25
- Pick Up Service and Tour for Canton Culture and Food: $26
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Guangzhou $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Guangzhou, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou.
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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 1850 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
Both Guangzhou and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Guangzhou. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou and Khao Lak during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 25°C (76°F).
In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Guangzhou. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Guangzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In January, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guangzhou. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Guangzhou. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Lak is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
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.