A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Nara for Couples, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak or Nara?

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 Nara 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. You'll find world class beauty in Khao Lak as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Nara

Nara is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. Nara is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Nara travel costs.

Khao Lak and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Nara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nara. Although Khao Lak and Nara are popular destinations, Nara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nara is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Khao Lak attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is more touristy than Nara and is known for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. It is also well known for Nara Park.

How is Khao Lak different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nara 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 Nara. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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 Nara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Khao Lak and Nara can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Khao Lak offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Nara has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Khao Lak or Nara Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Nara know how to have a good time. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Nara Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is notable for its resorts. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Nara Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Nara Better for its Old Town?

Nara 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 Nara to see the historical old town. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Is Khao Lak or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara 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 Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Nara?

Nara is a great destination for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Nara is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Khao Lak or Nara More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Khao Lak as well. Stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and breathtaking natural landscapes make this a truly beautiful destination.

Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Is Khao Lak or Nara Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Nara are excellent 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, Nara is very family-friendly. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

Is Khao Lak or Nara Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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

Khao Lak is notable for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

Nara 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 Nara is fairly effecient and thorough. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara a more walkable city?

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

Nara is very walkable. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Khao Lak or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Khao Lak than Nara 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 Nara.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nara 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 Nara.

One day in Khao Lak or Nara?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Khao Lak. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Nara offers food and shopping. 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 Nara?

Khao Lak is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nara 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 Nara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Nara?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the idyllic destination of Khao Lak. This area offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Nara 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 Nara?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed area of Khao Lak. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Nara 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

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 Nara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Nara?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Nara, 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 Nara?

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Nara during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Nara. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Nara. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Nara. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Nara. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 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.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nara can be very cold. Khao Lak is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Nara during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Nara. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Khao Lak during the spring 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Nara. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.

Nara 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 April than Nara. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 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.

Typical Weather for Nara and Khao Lak