Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
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 Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Tanah Rata $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $137. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $51Tanah Rata $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Tanah Rata $134
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Tanah Rata? 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 Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $52Tanah Rata $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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 $31Tanah Rata $44
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
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$5.66
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Dessert$0.63
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Lunch$3.98
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Afternoon tea$3.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Tanah Rata $34
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$5.66
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$21
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Tanah Rata $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Khao Lak much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Khao Lak would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Khao Lak 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata than you might in Khao Lak.
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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Tanah Rata?
Tanah Rata has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata in the Summer?
Both Tanah Rata and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
Both Tanah Rata and Khao Lak during the autumn 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 Tanah Rata year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Tanah Rata 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 October than Tanah Rata. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Tanah Rata. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Tanah Rata. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.