A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Mumbai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Khao Lak or Mumbai?

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 Mumbai 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 Mumbai?

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.

Mumbai

Mumbai is the largest city in India and the capital of Maharashtra state. It is still occasionally referred to as Bombay, but most people know it now as Mumbai. It's the commercial capital of the country and is a major port city. It's also famous for Bollywood, which is the movie capital of the country and famous for it's music filled Bollywood flicks that have become popular around the world. Mumbai is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in India and has some of the most liberal views of an otherwise conservative country. Many immigrants and expats live in Mumbai and it's easy to see the blend of cultures.

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 from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Khao Lak?

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 Mumbai is $69. 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 Mumbai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Khao Lak $51
    Mumbai $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Khao Lak $102
    Mumbai $68
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Mumbai

Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Mumbai? 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.

Hotels in Khao Lak


Hotels in Mumbai


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 Mumbai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Khao Lak $52
    Mumbai $7.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:

  • Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
  • Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
  • From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
  • Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
  • Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
  • 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
  • Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
  • 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
  • Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
  • Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Affordable transfer from Mumbai Airport to Pune: $28
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Business Car: $60
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $93
  • Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $60
  • Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $93
  • Dharavi Slum Tour in Mumbai with Combo Packages & Transfers: $12
  • Dharavi Tour Including Car Transfer: $42
  • Global Vipassana Pagoda : Half Day Tour with Transfer: $84
  • Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
  • Mumbai & Beyond transfer & travel in a Insured vehicle: Goa-Rajasthan-Gujrat etc: $53
  • Mumbai - private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel : $64
  • Mumbai Airport Transfer in Private Vehicle: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Mumbai?

Prices for flights to both Mumbai 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Khao Lak $31
    Mumbai $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.

  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour by Pakinnaka School: $56
  • Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $57
  • Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour.: $59
  • Thai Cooking Class in a Garden with Transfer: $59
  • Thai Cooking Class in Khaolak: $61
  • 3 hours Khao Lak Cooking Class and Market Visit: $68
  • Half-Day Cooking Class and Ingredient Hunt: $68
  • 3-Hour Khaolak Cooking Class with Food Market Visit: $69
  • Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $89
  • Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $97
  • ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $97
  • Thai Food Cooking Class & ATV Adventure Tour: $97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai

For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Virtual Authentic Indian Tea and Paratha Cooking Class: $14
  • Hidden Gems and Street Food Tour: $15
  • Discover Mumbai's street & beach with food tour: $17
  • Mumbai Food Tour: $20
  • Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
  • Mumbai Food Tour: $25
  • Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with sunset view: $26
  • Old Bombay Bazaar and Food Tour with local Guide: $27
  • Guided Food Tour Through the Vibrant Markets of Old Bombay: $28
  • Street Food Tour: $32
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $33
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour with Sun Set View: $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Khao Lak $19
    Mumbai $2.66

Tours and Activities in Khao Lak

Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours-Early Bird Guide Tour in Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary: $68
  • 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $53
  • 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $55
  • 4 hours Tour with Khaolak ATV Quad Bike and Rescued Elephant: $97
  • Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
  • Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
  • Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $37
  • Cheow Lan Lake: 2-Day Guided Tour with Meals and Activities: $176
  • Day Tour with Sea Canoeing at Hong Island from Khao Lak: $81
  • Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Adventure From Khao Lak: $112
  • Eco Grand Canyon with Hot Springs and Elephant Retreat Tour: $97
  • From Khao Lak Or Khok Kloi : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $103

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.

  • Audio Guided Walking Tour on HopOn India App – From Gateway to Fountain, Mumbai: $5.32
  • Elephanta Caves Audio Guided Walking Tour, Mumbai on HopOn India App: $5.34
  • Highlights Bus Full-Day Tour in Hindi: $5.40
  • Dharavi Slum Tour with Local guide: $6.00
  • Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
  • Malabar District, Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Mumbai (Malabar District) Self-Guided Tour: $6.67
  • Dharavi Slum Tour: $8.63
  • Dharavi Slum Tour: $8.99
  • Inside Dharavi: Unveiling Mumbai's Slum Culture Tour: $9.11
  • Dharavi Slum Experience with Local Resident English Guide: $9.50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Khao Lak $13
    Mumbai $3.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:

  • Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
  • South Bombay Pub Crawl: $39
  • South Bombay Pub Crawl: $39
  • Mumbai Pub Crawl: History, Iconic Bars, Cocktail Workshop, Stories and Drinks : $90
  • Mumbai Private Bar Crawl with City Night Tour: $124
  • Nashik: Private Full-Day Wine Tour with Tastings From Mumbai: $128
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tour at Sula Vineyards from Mumbai: $152
  • Wine Tasting Tour Sula Vineyards Nashik - (Day excursion from Mumbai): $163


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

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 Mumbai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Mumbai?

Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 7470 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Mumbai, 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 Mumbai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Mumbai in the Summer?

Both Mumbai and Khao Lak during the summer 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 Mumbai year-round.

Mumbai 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 less rain in July than Mumbai. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Mumbai. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Mumbai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Khao Lak 28°C (82°F) 
    Mumbai 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Mumbai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Mumbai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Mumbai during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Mumbai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Khao Lak 27°C (81°F) 
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Mumbai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Mumbai. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.

Khao Lak usually gets more rain in January than Mumbai. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun.

In January, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Khao Lak 27°C (80°F) 
    Mumbai 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Mumbai in the Spring?

Both Mumbai and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Mumbai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Mumbai during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun in the spring.

Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Khao Lak 29°C (83°F) 
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Mumbai and Khao Lak

Khao Lak Mumbai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in) 30°C (86°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 560 mm (22 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 640 mm (25.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 520 mm (20.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)