A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Jakarta for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Khao Lak or Jakarta?

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 Jakarta 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 Jakarta?

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.

Jakarta

As Indonesia's capital and largest city, Jakarta rests on the northwest coast of the island of Java. It is the country's economic, cultural, and political center with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Jakarta or Khao Lak?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Jakarta is $64. 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 Jakarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Khao Lak $51
    Jakarta $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Khao Lak $102
    Jakarta $66
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Jakarta

Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Jakarta? 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.

Hotels in Khao Lak


Hotels in Jakarta


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 and Jakarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Khao Lak $52
    Jakarta $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:

  • Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
  • Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
  • From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
  • Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
  • Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
  • 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
  • Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
  • 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
  • Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
  • Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:


  • Taxi to Station
    $1.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Jakarta Soekarno - Hatta ( Private Transfer ): $22
  • Airport Private Transfer Jakarta, Best Price: $19
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta ( Private Car ): $30
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta - Bogor: $27
  • BEST PRICE Private Airport Transfer per CAR with Tax & Insurance (Oneway): $30
  • CGK - Private Airport Transfer Service: $20
  • Easy & Simple Transfer Airport Jakarta: $17
  • Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Bandung/Lembang Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Jakarta Airport CGK to Bandung or Lembang Round Trip Transfer: $126
  • Jakarta Airport Private Transfer To Bandung ( Private Service ): $90
  • Jakarta Airport Transfer Service: $20
  • Jakarta Airport Transfer for Small/Big Group: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Jakarta?

Prices for flights to both Jakarta 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 day
    Khao Lak $31
    Jakarta $17

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 Jakarta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:


  • Dinner
    $2.73
  • Dinner
    $0.74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

For Jakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fun Food Tour Jakarta: $30
  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Cikini Heritage Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Life Tour with highlight and food tour: $54
  • Jakarta Night Tour: Guided Sightseeing & Street food tour: $56
  • Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • 10-Tasting Private Food Tour with a Local Host: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Khao Lak $19
    Jakarta $13

Tours and Activities in Khao Lak

Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours-Early Bird Guide Tour in Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary: $68
  • 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $53
  • 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $55
  • 4 hours Tour with Khaolak ATV Quad Bike and Rescued Elephant: $97
  • Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
  • Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
  • Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $37
  • Cheow Lan Lake: 2-Day Guided Tour with Meals and Activities: $176
  • Day Tour with Sea Canoeing at Hong Island from Khao Lak: $81
  • Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Adventure From Khao Lak: $112
  • Eco Grand Canyon with Hot Springs and Elephant Retreat Tour: $97
  • From Khao Lak Or Khok Kloi : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $103

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jakarta.

  • Jakarta City Center: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Jakarta Walkingtour : Explore Jakarta as the locals do: $19
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $33
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Jakarta: $34
  • Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
  • Half-Day Highlights Tour: $38
  • Highlight Noon Batavia Tour By Walk : $40
  • guided tour of highlights in german language: $42
  • 3 Hours Jakarta City Tour (Jakarta's Iconic Places): $45
  • Highlights of Jakarta City: Half-Day Tour: $45
  • Best Jakarta Tours, your best friend in travelling.: $47
  • Private Half-Day Tour Highlight of Jakarta: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Khao Lak $13
    Jakarta $4.23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Jakarta, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Jakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jakarta 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 Jakarta.

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 Jakarta Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Jakarta?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 5020 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Jakarta, 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.