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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Katoomba?

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

Katoomba

Katoomba is a stunning, peaceful, and serene town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Khao Lak and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Katoomba?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Khao Lak and Katoomba are both popular with visitors, Khao Lak has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Khao Lak is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Katoomba is known for its museums, hiking, and small town charm. Khao Lak is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. It is also home to Khao Sok National Park. Katoomba is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

How is Khao Lak different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Katoomba is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

Katoomba is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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 Katoomba? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Khao Lak and Katoomba can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Khao Lak offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Khao Lak or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Katoomba 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 Katoomba has a few options to choose from. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Khao Lak or Katoomba Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Khao Lak to choose from. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Katoomba is not a resort destination.

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

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

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Katoomba Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Khao Lak offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Katoomba?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Katoomba 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 Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Khao Lak or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Khao Lak is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Khao Lak is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

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

Khao Lak and Katoomba are very good places 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.

Many backpackers visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Is Khao Lak or Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

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 Katoomba offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Khao Lak or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Katoomba is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Katoomba is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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 Katoomba Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Khao Lak or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Khao Lak due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

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

One day in Khao Lak or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Katoomba, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 town 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Katoomba?

Katoomba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

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

Khao Lak is a little warmer than Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Katoomba 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 Katoombain January. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Katoomba. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain April. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 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 Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba 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, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba 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 spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain October. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Katoomba 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.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Khao Lak