Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Nanjing?
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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Nanjing $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $96. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $51Nanjing $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Nanjing $92
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Nanjing? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $52Nanjing $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
- Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $72
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $63
- Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $175
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) to Nanjing hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $66
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $114
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $31Nanjing $28
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 Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
- Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Nanjing $9.27
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Walk & Feed Elephant Experience with Pickup: $35
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $37
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $44
- Takuapa Cultural History Half-Day Tour From Khao Lak: $48
- Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour: $51
- Khaolak: Begin the Day with Elephants - Walk and Feed Tour: $51
- Elephant Bathing and Feeding Tour: $52
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $53
- 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $55
- Little Amazon Canoe Ride & Tam Nang Waterfall Tour: $56
- Sok River Canoeing | Half-Day Tour: $58
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $60
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way: $94
- Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
- Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
- Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Nanjing $9.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Nanjing, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Nanjing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nanjing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanjing 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 Nanjing.
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 Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 1820 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?
Both Nanjing 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.
In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Nanjing in the Autumn?
Both Nanjing 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.
In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Nanjing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. Khao Lak is much warmer than Nanjing in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Nanjing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Nanjing. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Nanjing averages at about 15°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Nanjing. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 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.