A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Wellington for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Khao Lak or Wellington?

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 Wellington 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 laid back, relaxed, and friendly area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Wellington

Wellington is a funky, compact, and laid-back city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Khao Lak and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Wellington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wellington. Although Khao Lak and Wellington are popular destinations, Wellington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wellington is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Khao Lak attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is famous for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Wellington is famous for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. It is also well known for Zealandia Ecosanctuary.

How is Khao Lak different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wellington 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 Wellington?

Wellington is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

Wellington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Wellington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wellington is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Wellington makes for a great culinary experience. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

Wellington is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Wellington know how to have a good time. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

If you're looking for night time activities Khao Lak has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Wellington Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Wellington is not a resort destination.

Khao Lak is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Wellington is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Wellington Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Wellington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Khao Lak. 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.

Wellington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Khao Lak. 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.

Wellington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Is Khao Lak or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Wellington?

Wellington is a great destination for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Wellington is an extremely popular place for shoppers. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Khao Lak or Wellington Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Wellington are excellent to visit with kids.

Khao Lak is 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Is Khao Lak or Wellington Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Khao Lak makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Wellington is a good area for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Khao Lak or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak and Wellington are excellent 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 Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Khao Lak or Wellington Better for Students?

Wellington is a city with good options for students. However, Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Khao Lak is not popular with students.

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

Wellington is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Wellington is fairly effecient and thorough. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

While Khao Lak offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Wellington a more walkable city?

Wellington is a great destination for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Wellington is very walkable. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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 Wellington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Wellington?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Wellington. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Wellington. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-3 days is enough time in Wellington.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wellington than Khao Lak 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 Wellington.

One day in Khao Lak or Wellington?

With shopping and nightlife around the friendly area of Khao Lak, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Wellington offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Wellington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Khao Lak, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Wellington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wellington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Wellington?

Khao Lak, a popular area, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this area. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wellington is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Wellington?

Khao Lak is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this area makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this area has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wellington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Khao Lak and Wellington, we can see that Khao Lak 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. Even though Khao Lak is in Asia and Wellington is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Wellington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Wellington?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Wellington. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Khao Lak is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wellington. 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 Wellingtonin January. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington 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. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin April. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 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.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Wellington in the Winter?

Both Wellington 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Wellington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin July. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Wellington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In the spring, Khao Lak is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 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 Wellingtonin October. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 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.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Khao Lak