Which place is cheaper, Manila 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 Manila?
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 Manila 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 Manila?
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.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Manila $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Manila is $106. 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 Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Manila $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Manila? 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 and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Manila $14
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: $48
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $65
- Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila 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 $61Manila $31
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $64
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $68
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $73
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Manila $19
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Khao Lak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Conservation Experience: $25
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $52
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- Sky Rock Khaolak Jungle Adventure: $68
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $69
- Full-Day Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave from Khao Lak: $76
- James Bond Island Adventure Tour from Khao Lak including Sea Canoeing & Lunch: $77
- Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $80
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Visit & River Tubing Tour: $80
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- Half day Bamboo Rafting Tour with Lunch: $80
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $24
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $31
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $31
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $33
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $35
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $35
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Manila $9.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Manila, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Manila.
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 Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 6140 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Manila, 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 Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Khao Lak or Manila in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Manila. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Manila. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Manila. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Manila. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Manila. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Khao Lak during the spring 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 Manila year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.