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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Lombok?

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 Lombok 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 Lombok?

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.

Lombok

Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Lombok or Khao Lak?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $114, while the average daily cost in Lombok is $53. 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 Lombok in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Khao Lak $51
    Lombok $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Khao Lak $102
    Lombok $58
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Lombok

Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Lombok? 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 Lombok


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 Lombok Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Khao Lak $53
    Lombok $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:

  • Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $175
  • Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $121
  • Transfer Service from Khao Lak to Krabi: $117
  • Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $113
  • From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $108
  • Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $101
  • Premium Similan Island Day Trip with lunch and transfer pick up: $99
  • Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $95
  • Khao Lak any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $93
  • Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $58
  • 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $56
  • Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok

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

  • Airport Transfer: Airport To Kuta/kuta To Airport: $27
  • Airport Transfer: Airport To Senggigi/senggigi To Airport: $70
  • Airport transfer from Lombok Airport to Kuta Mandalika : $23
  • Airport transfer from Lombok Airport to Selong Belanak: $33
  • Airport transfer from lombok Airport to Praya: $22
  • Airport transfer from lombok airport to Senaru rinjiani area: $76
  • Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Padang Bai: $53
  • Gili Trawangan, Air, or 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali: $26
  • Lombok Airport Private Transfer by Car: $75
  • Lombok Airport Transfer : $27
  • Lombok Airport to Gili Islands - Private Shuttle & Transfer: $59
  • Lombok Int. Airport LOP to Lombok - Arrival Private Transfer: $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Lombok?

Prices for flights to both Lombok 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
    Lombok $12

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: $58
  • Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour.: $61
  • Thai Cooking Class in a Garden with Transfer: $61
  • Thai Cooking Class in Khaolak: $62
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class from Khao Lak: $67
  • 3 hours Khao Lak Cooking Class and Market Visit: $69
  • Half-Day Cooking Class and Ingredient Hunt: $69
  • Khaolak Finger Food Tour with Cabaret Show: $85
  • Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $99
  • Thai Food Cooking Class & ATV Adventure Tour: $99
  • Thai Cooking Class, A Private Experience in Khao Lak : $118

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok

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

  • Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour: $38
  • Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $47
  • Babah Peranakan Chinese Cuisine Dinner in Lombok: $60
  • Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
  • Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $100
  • Royal Dinner Experience in Lombok at Royal Tugudom: $117

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Khao Lak $19
    Lombok $11

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: $53
  • 3 Hours Guided ATV Quad Jungle Adventure to Waterfall in Khaolak : $121
  • 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $56
  • Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
  • Bamboo & Phi Phi Islands, Maya & Pileh Bay Day Tour From Khao Lak: $116
  • Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $38
  • Cheow Lan Lake: 2-Day Guided Tour with Meals and Activities: $180
  • Cruising on a comfortabel boat in Phang Nga Bay - The "Must-Do" Tour Khao Lak: $135
  • Day Tour with Sea Canoeing at Hong Island from Khao Lak: $82
  • Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Adventure From Khao Lak: $112
  • Eco Grand Canyon with Hot Springs and Elephant Retreat Tour: $76
  • From Khao Lak Or Khok Kloi : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $104

Tours and Activities in Lombok

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

  • Gili T Island: The Thrilling Sunset Snorkeling Adventure: $18
  • Lombok Private Custom Tour - Lombok Car Hire with Driver : $31
  • Lombok City Tour combination With Temple Tour : $49
  • Mataram Lombok Historical City tour: $49
  • Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
  • Private Lombok Hidden Beach Tour: Elak Elak, Sekotong, and Mekaki Beach: $50
  • Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
  • Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfall Trekking Tour: $55
  • One Day Tour Pink Beach East Lombok Excursion: $55
  • Snorkeling Tour to Amazing Coral Garden in South Gilies: $57
  • Daily Sasak Tour Lombok: $57
  • Private Lombok Cycling Tour : Lingsar Temple, Rice Field, Village & Market Tour: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Khao Lak $14
    Lombok $8.31


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

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 Lombok Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Khao Lak or Lombok?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Lombok in the Summer?

Both Lombok and Khao Lak during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Lombok. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Lombok. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Lombok averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Khao Lak 28°C (82°F) 
    Lombok 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Lombok in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Lombok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Lombok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Lombok. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Khao Lak 27°C (81°F) 
    Lombok 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Lombok in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Lombok. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year.

Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Lombok. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Lombok. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lombok receives 188 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Lombok in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Khao Lak 27°C (80°F) 
    Lombok 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Lombok in the Spring?

Both Lombok and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Lombok. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Lombok. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Lombok averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Khao Lak 29°C (83°F) 
    Lombok 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Lombok and Khao Lak

Khao Lak Lombok
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)


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