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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a fascinating, traditional, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Khao Lak and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Kyoto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kyoto. Although Khao Lak and Kyoto are popular destinations, Kyoto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kyoto is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Khao Lak attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Khao Lak is famous for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Kyoto is famous for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also well known for Kinkaku-ji.

How is Khao Lak different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kyoto that are not to be missed. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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 Kyoto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kyoto 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, Kyoto makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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 Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Kyoto 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 Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Khao Lak or Kyoto Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a great destination for its resorts. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Kyoto Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is renowned for the beache. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Kyoto?

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

Kyoto is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Kyoto 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, Kyoto is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Khao Lak or Kyoto Better for Couples?

Both Khao Lak and Kyoto are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Kyoto is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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

Khao Lak and Kyoto are great 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 Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Khao Lak or Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto is a great destination for students. However, Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Khao Lak is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Kyoto is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

While Khao Lak offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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 Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Kyoto?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

One day in Khao Lak or Kyoto?

In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this laid back destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful city of Kyoto offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kyoto 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kyoto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Kyoto?

Khao Lak is a fun place to experience. In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Kyoto?

In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxed destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

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 Kyoto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 860 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the Summer?

Both Kyoto and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto and Khao Lak during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

Kyoto 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 more rain in October than Kyoto. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 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.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Kyoto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. Khao Lak is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Kyoto. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kyoto. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 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.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Khao Lak