Which place is cheaper, Mandalay 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 Mandalay?
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 Mandalay 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 Mandalay?
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.
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesMandalay Prices
Myanmar Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $152Mandalay $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $152, while the average daily cost in Mandalay is $19. 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 Mandalay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $57Mandalay $8.65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $114Mandalay $17
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Mandalay
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Mandalay? 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 $59Mandalay -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $47
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $106
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Walk with Hotel Transfer – 2 Hours: $72
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink & Transfer: $94
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $195
- Phuket Airport(HKT)&Hotel Transfers:Private—Phuket/Khao Lak/Krabi: $18
- Private Minivan Transfer from Khao Lak hotels to Phuket Airport: $67
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $238
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $63
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- 2 Days in Mandalay Region, 3 Night in Monywa and 4 Days to transfer Bagan: $260
- Bagan Land Transfer form Mandalay: $103
- From Mandalay To Kalaw-NyaungShwe-Inle Lake Private Transfer: $230
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $180
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Mandalay?
Prices for flights to both Mandalay 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 $59Mandalay $10
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 Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour: $66
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $69
- Hands on Cooking Class at Riverside Thai Cooking in Khao Lak: $71
- Fun Learning Thai Cooking with Local Market from Khao Lak: $72
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $88
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $100
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary, Rubber Tapping & Coconut Cooking: $113
- Bamboo Cooking Rafting with Khuk Khak Temple Tour from Khao Lak: $115
- Khao Lak Bamboo Rafting and Bamboo Cooking with Waterfall Tour: $121
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $122
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bamboo Bike Food Tour: $42
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $21Mandalay -
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $38
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Small-Group Guided Tour: $56
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $56
- Sky Rock High Thrill Rainforest Zipline Adventure from Khao Lak: $60
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $61
- Little Amazon and Wat Khongkha Phimuk Half Day Tour from Khao Lak: $69
- James Bond, Hong & Khai Islands Premium Tour from Khao Lak: $72
- Takuapa Old Town Historical and Cultural Day Tour from Khao Lak: $75
- Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Islands Tour By Seastar Andaman From Khao Lak: $76
- Khao Lak Local Life and Culture Tour with Lunch: $78
- Khao Lak ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $78
- Khao Lak Waterfalls and Lakes Half Day Cycling Tour with lunch: $78
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Private Full-Day Mandalay Heritage Charter Car Tour: $45
- Mandalay Bike 'n Bite Tour: $46
- U Bein Bridge Sunset Cycling Day Tour from Mandalay: $60
- Full day Adventure Trip in Mandalay & Amarapura: $61
- Mandalay Half-Day Sightseeing: $65
- Mandalay Half-Day Tour: $70
- Amarapura,Sagging,Innwa/Ava Sightseeing: $75
- Private Tour for Amarapura, Mingun, Sagaing and Inwa (AVA): $77
- Mandalay Fullday Sightseeing: $80
- Private Pyin Oo Lwin Day Return Tour: $80
- Private Full Day Mandalay City Tour With Professional Guide: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Mandalay -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Mandalay, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Mandalay.
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 Mandalay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Mandalay?
Mandalay has a larger population, and is about 710 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Mandalay, 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.
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.