Which place is cheaper, Hefei or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Hefei?
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 Hefei 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 Hefei?
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.
Hefei
While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Hefei $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Hefei is $62. 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 Hefei in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $51Hefei $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Hefei $56
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Hefei
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Hefei? 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 $52Hefei $17
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Hefei?
Prices for flights to both Hefei 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 $31Hefei $21
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Hefei $19
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
- Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour: $51
- Khaolak: Begin the Day with Elephants - Walk and Feed 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Hefei $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Hefei, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Hefei.
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 Hefei Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Hefei?
Hefei has a larger population, and is about 820 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Hefei, 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 Hefei?
Hefei 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 Hefei in the Summer?
Both Hefei 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 Hefei. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hefei averages at about 29°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hefei. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Hefei. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Hefei 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Hefei in the Autumn?
Both Hefei 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 much warmer than Hefei. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Hefei. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 66 mm (2.6 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)Hefei 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Hefei in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Hefei. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
The weather in Hefei can be very cold. Khao Lak is much warmer than Hefei in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Hefei fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Hefei. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Hefei 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Hefei in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Hefei. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Hefei. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Hefei averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Hefei. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 95 mm (3.7 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)Hefei 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hefei and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Hefei | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 25 mm (1 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.