Which place is cheaper, Harbin 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 Harbin?
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 Harbin 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesHarbin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Harbin $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $66. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Harbin? 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 $60Harbin $1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 $61Harbin $24
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 Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Harbin $53
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- ATV Adventure: Khao Lak’s Best Off-Road Experience: $127
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $110
- Bamboo & Phi Phi Islands, Maya & Pileh Bay Day Tour From Khao Lak: $118
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Cheow Lan Lake with Nam Rad Emerald Pool Tour from Khao Lak: $138
- From Khao Lak : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $118
- Full Day 3 Spiritual Temple Tour with Lunch from Khao Lak: $83
- Full Day Phang Nga Bay Highlights Tour: $93
- Full-Day Rescued Elephant Walk with Guide Tour in Khaolak: $156
- Full-Day Similan island Snorking Tour By Speed Boat from Khao Lak: $112
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Ice and Snow World Ticket Booking: $51
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Harbin Summer Indoor Ice and Snow World Tour: $136
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
- Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $199
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private Half Day Tour to Unit 731 Museum and Sites in Harbin: $218
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Harbin $7.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Harbin, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Harbin.
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 Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 1900 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Harbin, 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 Harbin?
Harbin 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 Harbin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Harbin. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Harbin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Harbin. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Harbin. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin 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.
In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Harbin. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin 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.
It's quite cold in Harbin in the winter. Khao Lak is much warmer than Harbin in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
Khao Lak usually gets more rain in January than Harbin. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Harbin averages at about 8°C (46°F).
Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Harbin. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.