A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Nagano for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Khao Lak or Nagano?

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 Nagano 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nagano

Nagano is a historic, traditional, and alpine city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Khao Lak and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Nagano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagano. Although Khao Lak and Nagano are popular destinations, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Khao Lak attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is famous for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Nagano is famous for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also well known for Zenko-ji Temple.

How is Khao Lak different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Khao Lak or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Khao Lak is not a skiing destination.

Nagano is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Khao Lak is not a skiing destination.

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

Nagano 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 Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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 Nagano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagano 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, Nagano makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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 Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Nagano know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

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.

Is Khao Lak or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a great area for its luxury resorts. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

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.

Nagano has a few great resort options. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

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

Khao Lak is a great area for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nagano 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.

Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Nagano Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is terrific for the beache. However, Nagano 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.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Nagano to see the historical old town. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Is Khao Lak or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano 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 Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Nagano?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nagano 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 Nagano. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Khao Lak or Nagano Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Nagano are great to visit with kids.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nagano is very family-friendly. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Is Khao Lak or Nagano Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Nagano is a good area for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

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

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

Many backpackers visit Khao Lak. 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 Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Khao Lak or Nagano Better for Students?

Nagano is a city with good options for students. However, Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Nagano is popular with students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Khao Lak is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Khao Lak and Nagano.

You'll find some public transit in Khao Lak, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

While Nagano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Khao Lak or Nagano a more walkable city?

Nagano is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Nagano is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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 Nagano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Nagano. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Nagano. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagano than Khao Lak 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 Nagano.

One day in Khao Lak or Nagano?

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 city of Nagano offers museums and skiing. 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Nagano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Nagano?

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.

Nagano 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 Nagano?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxed 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.

Nagano 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 city 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

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

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 Nagano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Nagano?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano 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. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In the summer, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

Nagano 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 July than Nagano. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Nagano. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Nagano. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagano can get quite cold in the winter. Khao Lak is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nagano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano 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. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Nagano. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Khao Lak