Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Khao Lak or Shenzhen?
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 Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen?
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.
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
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 China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Shenzhen $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $123. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $51Shenzhen $89
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Shenzhen? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $52Shenzhen $15
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Port - Round- Trip Private Transfer : $90
- Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- Hong Kong Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Terminal to Airport: $62
- Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 dayKhao Lak $31Shenzhen $20
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 Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vegetarian Food Tour: $77
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
- Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $160
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $160
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Shenzhen $17
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
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line! Walk to the Peak: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
- Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $14
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Lovely Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- TramOramic Sightseeing Tour plus 2-Day Tramways Ticket: $23
- sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets: $23
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Shenzhen $19
When comparing the travel costs between Khao Lak and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 590 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?
Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Shenzhen. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Shenzhen. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in July than Shenzhen. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
Both Shenzhen 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.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenzhen during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 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 OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Shenzhen in the Winter?
Both Shenzhen 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.
In the winter, Khao Lak is much warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun.
Khao Lak usually gets more rain in January than Shenzhen. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Shenzhen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In April, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun in the spring.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenzhen. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 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 AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.