Which place is cheaper, Longsheng or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Longsheng?
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 Longsheng 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 Longsheng?
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.
Longsheng
A county of the city, Guilin, Longsheng is a hub of several ethnic cultures that thrive on farming and tourism. It is located about 50 or so miles north of the Guilin city center. The region is perhaps most known for the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township. These, along with many other natural features like hot springs, waterfalls, and meadows are a few of the main attractions that draw visitors to Longsheng.
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 China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesLongsheng Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Longsheng $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Longsheng is $105. 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 Longsheng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Longsheng $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Longsheng $42
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Longsheng
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Longsheng? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Longsheng $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Longsheng?
Prices for flights to both Longsheng 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
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Food Meals for one dayKhao Lak $61Longsheng $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
- Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Longsheng $8.51
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- ATV Adventure: Khao Lak’s Best Off-Road Experience: $127
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $110
- Bamboo & Phi Phi Islands, Maya & Pileh Bay Day Tour From Khao Lak: $118
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Cheow Lan Lake with Nam Rad Emerald Pool Tour from Khao Lak: $138
- From Khao Lak : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $118
- Full Day 3 Spiritual Temple Tour with Lunch from Khao Lak: $83
- Full Day Phang Nga Bay Highlights Tour: $93
- Full-Day Rescued Elephant Walk with Guide Tour in Khaolak: $156
- Full-Day Similan island Snorking Tour By Speed Boat from Khao Lak: $112
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Longsheng $8.01
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Longsheng, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Longsheng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Longsheng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Longsheng 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 Longsheng.
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 Longsheng Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Khao Lak or Longsheng?
Longsheng 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 Longsheng in the Summer?
Both Longsheng 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.
In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Longsheng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Longsheng averages at about 30°C (86°F).
Longsheng 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 July than Longsheng. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Longsheng 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Longsheng in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Longsheng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In October, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Longsheng. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Longsheng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Longsheng. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Longsheng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Longsheng in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Longsheng. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Lak is much warmer than Longsheng in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Longsheng fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Longsheng. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Longsheng 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Longsheng in the Spring?
Both Longsheng 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.
In the spring, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Longsheng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Longsheng averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Longsheng. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Longsheng. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Longsheng 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Longsheng and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Longsheng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.