A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Kamakura for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Khao Lak or Kamakura?

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 Kamakura 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 laid back, relaxed, and friendly area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a charming, laid back, and ancient coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Khao Lak and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Kamakura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamakura. Although Khao Lak and Kamakura are both popular with visitors, Kamakura has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamakura is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and hiking, while Khao Lak is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Kamakura is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also home to the Great Buddha.

How is Khao Lak different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kamakura 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 Kamakura?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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 Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamakura 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, Kamakura makes for a great culinary experience. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

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 Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Kamakura know how to have a good time. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

If you're looking for night time activities Khao Lak has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Kamakura Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Kamakura is not a resort destination.

Khao Lak is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Khao Lak. 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.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for the beache.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Khao Lak. 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.

Many people head to Kamakura to enjoy the beach. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Is Khao Lak or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for its historic old town. However, Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kamakura to see the historical old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Is Khao Lak or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Kamakura?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kamakura and Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is a great destination for shopping. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kamakura. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Is Khao Lak or Kamakura Better for Families?

Khao Lak is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Kamakura is a family-friendly area. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Khao Lak or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

Khao Lak makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Kamakura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

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

Khao Lak is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Kamakura is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

Is Khao Lak or Kamakura 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 Kamakura.

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 Kamakura offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Is Khao Lak or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Kamakura is somewhat walkable. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached 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 Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Khao Lak or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Khao Lak than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Kamakura. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Khao Lak, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Kamakura. 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.

One day in Khao Lak or Kamakura?

The beautiful area of Khao Lak offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The coastal city of Kamakura offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Kamakura?

Khao Lak is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Khao Lak or Kamakura?

Khao Lak is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Khao Lak, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kamakura 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 Kamakura?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Khao Lak has to offer. This area offers something for everyone.

Kamakura is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Khao Lak and Kamakura, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Kamakura Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Kamakura?

Kamakura has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Kamakura, 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 Kamakura?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Kamakura in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kamakura 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 Kamakura. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Kamakura. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Khao Lak is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Kamakura. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (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.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura 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. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Kamakura in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun.

Kamakura 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 around the same amount of rain in April as Kamakura. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 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.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Khao Lak