Which place is cheaper, Suzhou 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 Suzhou?
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 Suzhou 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Suzhou? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Suzhou $58
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: $48
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $61Suzhou $57
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
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
- Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Suzhou $9.47
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Khao Lak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Conservation Experience: $25
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $52
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- Sky Rock Khaolak Jungle Adventure: $68
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $69
- Full-Day Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave from Khao Lak: $76
- James Bond Island Adventure Tour from Khao Lak including Sea Canoeing & Lunch: $77
- Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $80
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Visit & River Tubing Tour: $80
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- Half day Bamboo Rafting Tour with Lunch: $80
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Tiger Hill Ticket Booking: $14
- Lingering Garden Ticket Booking: $15
- Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
- Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
- Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $21
- Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $55
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $68
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $72
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Suzhou $6.50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Suzhou, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Suzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Suzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Suzhou 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 Suzhou.
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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 790 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
Suzhou 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 Suzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Suzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou this time of the year. In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Suzhou. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Suzhou averages at about 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Suzhou in the Winter?
Both Suzhou 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.
Suzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of rain as Suzhou. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou 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.
Khao Lak is much warmer than Suzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.
Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.