Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 personKhao Lak $51Hangzhou $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Hangzhou $46
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.
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 $52Hangzhou $8.11
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: $55
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
-
Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport Chauffeur Service, HangzhouAirport Transfer, Pickup: $59
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport Chauffeur Service, HangzhouAirport Transfer, Pickup: $78
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Hangzhou downtown city one way private transfer: $35
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 dayKhao Lak $31Hangzhou $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour by Pakinnaka School: $56
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $57
- Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour.: $59
- Thai Cooking Class in a Garden with Transfer: $59
- Thai Cooking Class in Khaolak: $61
- 3 hours Khao Lak Cooking Class and Market Visit: $68
- Half-Day Cooking Class and Ingredient Hunt: $68
- 3-Hour Khaolak Cooking Class with Food Market Visit: $69
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $89
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $97
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $97
- Thai Food Cooking Class & ATV Adventure Tour: $97
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
-
Breakfast Pastries$2.35
-
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
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Hangzhou $20
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Walk & Feed Elephant Experience with Pickup: $35
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $37
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $44
- Takuapa Cultural History Half-Day Tour From Khao Lak: $48
- Khaolak: Begin the Day with Elephants - Walk and Feed Tour: $51
- Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour: $51
- Elephant Bathing and Feeding Tour: $52
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $53
- 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $55
- Little Amazon Canoe Ride & Tam Nang Waterfall Tour: $56
- Sok River Canoeing | Half-Day Tour: $58
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $60
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
- Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
- Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- Genuine West Lake and Tea Experience with Locals: $100
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Hangzhou $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 JulyKhao 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 OctoberKhao 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 JanuaryKhao 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 AprilKhao 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) |
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.