A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Shenyang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Khao Lak or Shenyang?

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 Shenyang 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 Shenyang?

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.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

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 China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Khao Lak?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $70. 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 Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Khao Lak $51
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Khao Lak $102
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Shenyang? 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.

Hotels in Khao Lak


Hotels in Shenyang


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Khao Lak $52
    Shenyang $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:

  • Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
  • Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
  • Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
  • Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
  • Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
  • Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
  • Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
  • From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
  • 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
  • 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Khao Lak $31
    Shenyang $18

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Khao Lak $19
    Shenyang $7.69

Tours and Activities in Khao Lak

Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours-Early Bird Guide Tour in Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary: $68
  • 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $53
  • 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $55
  • 4 hours Tour with Khaolak ATV Quad Bike and Rescued Elephant: $97
  • Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
  • Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
  • Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $37
  • Cheow Lan Lake: 2-Day Guided Tour with Meals and Activities: $176
  • Day Tour with Sea Canoeing at Hong Island from Khao Lak: $81
  • Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Adventure From Khao Lak: $112
  • Eco Grand Canyon with Hot Springs and Elephant Retreat Tour: $97
  • From Khao Lak Or Khok Kloi : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $103

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Khao Lak $13
    Shenyang $5.82


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

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 Shenyang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Shenyang?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 2070 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Shenyang, 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 Shenyang?

Shenyang 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 Shenyang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Shenyang. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Shenyang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenyang averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shenyang. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Shenyang. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Khao Lak 28°C (82°F) 
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Shenyang in the Autumn?

Both Shenyang and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.

In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Shenyang. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Khao Lak 27°C (81°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Shenyang in the Winter?

Both Shenyang and Khao Lak during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Shenyang can be very cold. Khao Lak is much warmer than Shenyang in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Shenyang fluctuates around -11°C (13°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Shenyang. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak usually gets more rain in January than Shenyang. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Khao Lak 27°C (80°F) 
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F)

Should I visit Khao Lak or Shenyang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Shenyang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Shenyang averages at about 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang 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 Shenyang during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun in the spring.

Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Khao Lak 29°C (83°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Khao Lak

Khao Lak Shenyang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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