A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Hobart for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak or Hobart?

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 Hobart 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.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a idyllic, serene, and laid back area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hobart

Hobart is a charming, fascinating, and quaint city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Khao Lak and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Hobart?

Both Hobart and Khao Lak have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Khao Lak is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Hobart attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping. Khao Lak is famous for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Hobart is famous for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails.

How is Khao Lak different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hobart and Khao Lak. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Khao Lak or Hobart?

Hobart is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Hobart? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hobart is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hobart makes for a great culinary experience. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Is Khao Lak or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Hobart has a better nightlife scene.

Khao Lak has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Hobart has a few options to choose from. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Khao Lak or Hobart Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is great for its luxury resorts. However, Hobart is not a resort destination.

In Khao Lak, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Hobart is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Hobart Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Khao Lak is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Hobart Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is renowned for the beache. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

Khao Lak is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Hobart Better for Hiking?

Hobart is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hobart. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Hobart?

Hobart is a great destination for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Hobart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Khao Lak or Hobart Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Hobart are great to visit with kids.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly place to visit. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hobart is very family-friendly. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Is Khao Lak or Hobart Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Khao Lak is a great area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Hobart is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Is Khao Lak or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Khao Lak or Hobart Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Khao Lak and Hobart.

You'll find some public transit in Khao Lak, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

While Hobart offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Is Khao Lak or Hobart a more walkable city?

Hobart is a great destination for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Hobart is very walkable. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable area. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting? and Is Hobart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Hobart?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Hobart. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Hobart. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hobart.

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Hobart. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Khao Lak that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Khao Lak than Hobart if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Khao Lak.

One day in Khao Lak or Hobart?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Hobart offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Hobart?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hobart is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hobart, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Hobart?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hobart is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Hobart?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the serene destination of Khao Lak. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Hobart is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Hobart, we can see that Hobart is more expensive. And not only is Khao Lak much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Khao Lak is in Asia and Hobart is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Khao Lak would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Khao Lak 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 Hobart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hobart than you might in Khao Lak.

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 Hobart Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Hobart?

Hobart has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Hobart, 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 Hobart?

Hobart 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 Hobart in the Summer?

Both Hobart and Khao Lak during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hobart this time of year.

In the summer, Khao Lak is much warmer than Hobart. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hobart averages at about 17°C (63°F)in January.

In Hobart, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Hobartin January. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Hobartin January. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hobart in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Hobart. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hobart for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Hobartin April. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hobart during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Hobartin April. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hobart in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Hobart. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Hobart in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Hobart in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Hobart fluctuates around 9°C (47°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Hobartin July. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Hobartin July. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hobart in the Spring?

Both Hobart and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Hobart. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Hobart averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Hobart. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Hobart during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Hobartin October. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October.

Typical Weather for Hobart and Khao Lak