Which place is cheaper, Mandalay or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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.
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.
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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Mandalay is $15. 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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?.
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.