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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle 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 here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a vibrant, high energy, and trendy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Khao Lak and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Newcastle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newcastle than Khao Lak, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newcastle is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Khao Lak is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is more touristy than Newcastle and is known for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Newcastle is well known for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. Also, Newcastle is famous for the Bathers Way.

How is Khao Lak different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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 Newcastle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle 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, Newcastle makes for a great culinary experience. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

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 Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Newcastle know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Newcastle Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a resort destination.

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

Khao Lak is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is terrific for the beach. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Newcastle is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Is Khao Lak or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Newcastle is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Newcastle?

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

Newcastle is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

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 Newcastle Better for Families?

Khao Lak is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Khao Lak is known to be 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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly area. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Khao Lak or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is terrific for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

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

Khao Lak is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Khao Lak is a very popular area for backpackers and budget travelers. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

Is Khao Lak or Newcastle 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 Newcastle.

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 Newcastle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Khao Lak or Newcastle a more walkable city?

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

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored 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 Newcastle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Khao Lak or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Khao Lak due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Newcastle. 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 Newcastle. 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.

One day in Khao Lak or Newcastle?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the area of Khao Lak. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Newcastle offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Newcastle?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Khao Lak. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Newcastle 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newcastle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Newcastle?

You'll find nightlife and food around the friendly area of Khao Lak. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this area makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this area has to offer.

Newcastle 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 Newcastle?

Khao Lak is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Khao Lak, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Newcastle is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Newcastle, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Newcastle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Khao Lak is in Asia and Newcastle is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Newcastle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newcastle 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 Newcastle.

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 Newcastle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

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

In July, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Newcastlein January. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

Newcastle 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 Newcastlein January. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Newcastle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Newcastle. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Khao Lak is a little warmer than Newcastle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.

In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein April. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Newcastlein April. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 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.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle 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 Newcastle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Khao Lak is much warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Newcastle averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Newcastle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Newcastlein July. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Newcastle in the Spring?

Both Newcastle 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. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

In April, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Newcastlein October. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newcastlein October. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Newcastlein October. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 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 Newcastle and Khao Lak