Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Sandakan?
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 Sandakan 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 Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Sandakan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $58. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $51Sandakan $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Sandakan $40
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $52Sandakan $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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 $31Sandakan $19
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 Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Sandakan $7.19
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 Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Sandakan $6.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Sandakan, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan 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 Sandakan.
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 Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Sandakan?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
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 Sandakan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan 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 Sandakan. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sandakan this time of the year. In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sandakan during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sandakan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Sandakan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Sandakan. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan 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 Sandakan. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Sandakan. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sandakan. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun.
In October, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Sandakan in the Winter?
Both Sandakan 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. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun in the winter.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Sandakan in the Spring?
Both Sandakan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Sandakan 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 Sandakan. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Sandakan, 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 Sandakan. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.