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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Mount Bromo?

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 Mount Bromo 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 laid back, relaxed, and friendly area. Many visitors also come to Khao Lak because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a scenic, spectacular, and breathtaking volcano. The famous beauty of Mount Bromo is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Khao Lak and Mount Bromo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Mount Bromo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Khao Lak and Mount Bromo are both popular with visitors, Khao Lak has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Khao Lak is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Bromo is known for its hiking. Khao Lak is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. It is also home to Khao Sok National Park. Mount Bromo is popular for its sunrise views and scenic setting.

How is Khao Lak different from Mount Bromo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo?

Khao Lak is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Khao Lak is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Khao Lak. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Khao Lak or Mount Bromo Better for Nightlife?

Khao Lak is a popular place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Khao Lak has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Khao Lak or Mount Bromo Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a great area for its luxury resorts. However, Mount Bromo is not a resort destination.

Khao Lak is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Mount Bromo is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Mount Bromo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is a great area for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Khao Lak. 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.

Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Mount Bromo Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Khao Lak. 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.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Mount Bromo Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Mount Bromo. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Mount Bromo?

Khao Lak is a popular place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Khao Lak or Mount Bromo More Beautiful?

Khao Lak and Mount Bromo both are comparable with their terrific 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.

Many visitors also come to Mount Bromo because of it's amazing beauty. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Is Khao Lak or Mount Bromo Better for Families?

Khao Lak is a great area for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Khao Lak or Mount Bromo Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its romantic activities.

Khao Lak makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Mount Bromo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Is Khao Lak or Mount Bromo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak is a great area for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Khao Lak is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

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

Khao Lak is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Khao Lak or Mount Bromo a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo is a volcano with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Mount Bromo is somewhat walkable. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

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 Mount Bromo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Bromo or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Mount Bromo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Khao Lak or Mount Bromo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Khao Lak than Mount Bromo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mount Bromo.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Mount Bromo. 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 Mount Bromo. 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 Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic area of Khao Lak. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful volcano of Mount Bromo offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxed destination of Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This area offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Mount Bromo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this volcano makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mount Bromo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the friendly area of Khao Lak. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Khao Lak. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this area.

Mount Bromo is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This volcano 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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

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 Mount Bromo Expensive?.