Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Khao Lak or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $51Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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 $52Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $9.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
-
Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.59
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 $31Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
-
Two Entrance Tickets$63
-
Two Cable Car Passes$22
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Khao Lak or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In July, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Lak is a little warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 74 mm (2.9 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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Khao Lak is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Khao Lak during the spring 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 April, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in April than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 170 mm (6.7 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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.