Which place is cheaper, Penang or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Penang?
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 Penang 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 Penang?
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.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $152Penang $153
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $152, while the average daily cost in Penang is $153. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $57Penang $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $114Penang $116
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Penang? 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 and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $59Penang $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $47
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $106
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Walk with Hotel Transfer – 2 Hours: $72
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink & Transfer: $94
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $195
- Phuket Airport(HKT)&Hotel Transfers:Private—Phuket/Khao Lak/Krabi: $18
- Private Minivan Transfer from Khao Lak hotels to Phuket Airport: $67
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to or from Khao Lak: $38
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $238
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $63
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.51
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Island Ferry$0.60
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.68
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$12
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.56
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Penang Airport Arrival Transfer: $21
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $38
- Penang Airport Transfer: $15
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $37
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Hotel to Airport Departure Transfer: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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 $59Penang $68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Hands on Cooking Class at Riverside Thai Cooking in Khao Lak: $70
- Fun Learning Thai Cooking with Local Market from Khao Lak: $72
- Half-Day Small Group Thai Cooking Class from Khao Lak: $76
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $88
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $100
- Khao Lak Bamboo Rafting and Bamboo Cooking with Waterfall Tour: $121
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$2.01
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$86
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$73
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Lassy Juice$1.76
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Dinner for 2$3.78
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Street Stall Food$0.71
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.79
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
- Penang Food Tour : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $55
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $21Penang $59
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $38
- Khaolak Half Day: Phang Nga Bay, Tapu Island & Panyi Village Tour: $47
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Small-Group Guided Tour: $56
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $56
- Sky Rock High Thrill Rainforest Zipline Adventure from Khao Lak: $60
- Little Amazon and Wat Khongkha Phimuk Half Day Tour from Khao Lak: $69
- James Bond, Hong & Khai Islands Premium Tour from Khao Lak: $72
- Half Day Bamboo Rafting, Temple & Waterfall Tour: $73
- Takuapa Old Town Historical and Cultural Day Tour from Khao Lak: $75
- Temples Tour in Thailand from Khaolak: $75
- Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Islands Tour By Seastar Andaman From Khao Lak: $76
- Khao Lak ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.81
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.56
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.50
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.52
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket - Non-Malaysian: $11
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $16
- The Top Komtar Penang Observation Deck and Rainbow Skywalk Ticket: $21
- Entopia Penang Admission Ticket: $22
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $33
- Private George Town UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Penang $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$2.01
When comparing the travel costs between Khao Lak and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Penang, 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 Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Khao Lak or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang 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. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Penang. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Penang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Penang during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Penang 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 around the same amount of rain in October as Penang. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Penang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Penang. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Penang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Penang. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Penang. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Penang. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.
In April, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.