A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Shiretoko National Park for Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park 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 friendly, idyllic, and serene area. You'll find world class beauty in Khao Lak as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. Shiretoko National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Shiretoko National Park travel costs.

Khao Lak and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Khao Lak than Shiretoko National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Khao Lak is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Shiretoko National Park is more popular for its hiking. Khao Lak is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is known for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Also, Khao Lak is famous for Khao Sok National Park. Shiretoko National Park is well known for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Khao Lak different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Neither Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park offer quality museums and landmarks.

Khao Lak offers a few options for museum-goers. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Khao Lak is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Khao Lak area. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Khao Lak is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Khao Lak. 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.

Shiretoko National Park doesn't offer many options. Peaceful evenings and relaxing in nature are the best way to pass the time here, not socializing in a bar.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

Khao Lak is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Khao Lak to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Khao Lak are among the best in the world. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park is an amazing remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Around Shiretoko National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park?

Khao Lak is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Khao Lak to go shopping. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Khao Lak as well. Stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and breathtaking natural landscapes make this a truly beautiful destination.

Shiretoko National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The park is among the most beautiful in Japan. It has a scenic natural setting that is particularly nice during the winter season.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Khao Lak is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly area. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for romance.

Khao Lak has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Shiretoko National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak and Shiretoko National Park are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Many backpackers visit Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Khao Lak is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Khao Lak has a few public transit options. 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park is a remote,natural,scenic,pristine with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

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 Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Khao Lak than Shiretoko National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Khao Lak.

One day in Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back area of Khao Lak. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Khao Lak is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shiretoko National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. Most people head to the area for the beaches. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shiretoko National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

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 Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Shiretoko National Park. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. In the winter, Khao Lak is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about -6°C (20°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 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 Shiretoko National Park. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 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 Shiretoko National Park and Khao Lak