A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Matsue for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak or Matsue?

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 Matsue 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.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a idyllic, serene, and laid back area. The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Matsue

Matsue is a quiet, peaceful, and pretty town. Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Matsue travel costs.

Khao Lak and Matsue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Matsue?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Khao Lak and Matsue are popular destinations, Khao Lak has more sights and attractions for tourists. Khao Lak is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Matsue attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights. Khao Lak is famous for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. It is also well known for Khao Sok National Park. Matsue is famous for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere.

How is Khao Lak different from Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Matsue and Khao Lak. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Khao Lak or Matsue?

Matsue is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Matsue. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Matsue? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Matsue is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Matsue makes for a great culinary experience. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Khao Lak is a area with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Khao Lak has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a great destination for its resorts. However, Matsue is not a resort destination.

In Khao Lak, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Matsue is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Khao Lak is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Matsue is not a beach destination.

Khao Lak is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Matsue is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Matsue to see the historical old town. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Matsue?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Matsue and Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is a great destination for shopping. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Matsue. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. Stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and breathtaking natural landscapes make this a truly beautiful destination.

With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue Better for Families?

Khao Lak is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Khao Lak is a very kid-friendly area. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Khao Lak is a great area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Matsue is a good area for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Khao Lak is a great area to visit for backpackers. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Plenty of backpackers visit Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Matsue is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Matsue is fairly effecient and thorough. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

While Khao Lak offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

Is Khao Lak or Matsue a more walkable city?

Matsue is a great destination for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Matsue is very walkable. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable area. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting? and Is Matsue Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Matsue or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Matsue?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Matsue. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Matsue. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-3 days is enough time in Matsue.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Matsue. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Khao Lak, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Matsue. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Khao Lak that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Khao Lak than Matsue if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Khao Lak.

One day in Khao Lak or Matsue?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful town of Matsue offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Matsue?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Matsue is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Matsue, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Matsue?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Matsue is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Matsue?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Khao Lak. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Matsue is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

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 Matsue Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Matsue?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Matsue, 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 Matsue?

Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?

Both Matsue and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Matsue. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Matsue during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of rain as Matsue. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Matsue in the Autumn?

Both Matsue and Khao Lak during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Matsue. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun.

Matsue 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 October than Matsue. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Matsue in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Matsue can get quite cold in the winter. Khao Lak is much warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun in the winter.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Matsue. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Matsue in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Matsue. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Matsue. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Matsue and Khao Lak