A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Hangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Khao Lak or Hangzhou?

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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?

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.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

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 China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $80. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Khao Lak $59
    Hangzhou $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Khao Lak $118
    Hangzhou $48
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Hangzhou? 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.

Hotels in Khao Lak


Hotels in Hangzhou


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Khao Lak $60
    Hangzhou $8.24

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
  • Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Khao Lak $61
    Hangzhou $31

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

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.38
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Khao Lak $22
    Hangzhou $20

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 Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
  • Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
  • A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
  • Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
  • The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
  • Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
  • Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
  • Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
  • Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Khao Lak $15
    Hangzhou $10


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

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 Hangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Hangzhou?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 1100 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?

Both Hangzhou 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.

In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 29°C (85°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Khao Lak 28°C (82°F) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

Both Hangzhou 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 October, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Hangzhou. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Khao Lak 27°C (81°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hangzhou in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.

Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. Khao Lak is much warmer than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Khao Lak 27°C (80°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hangzhou in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Hangzhou. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Hangzhou. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Khao Lak 29°C (83°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Khao Lak

Khao Lak Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)