Which place is cheaper, Xiamen 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 Xiamen?
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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen?
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.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesXiamen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $152Xiamen $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $152, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $89. 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 Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $57Xiamen $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $114Xiamen $66
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Xiamen? 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 $59Xiamen $6.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $63
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $238
- Private Minivan Transfer from Khao Lak hotels to Phuket Airport: $67
- Phuket Airport(HKT)&Hotel Transfers:Private—Phuket/Khao Lak/Krabi: $18
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $195
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink & Transfer: $94
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Walk with Hotel Transfer – 2 Hours: $72
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $106
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Combo: Overnight in Hakka Tulou plus 2-way transfers from Xiamen: $119
- Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
- Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $58
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer From Xiamen City to Quanzhou City: $79
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Nanjing Tulou: $115
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou: $115
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi: $89
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City: $32
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou: $110
- Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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 $59Xiamen $49
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 Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour: $66
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $69
- Hands on Cooking Class at Riverside Thai Cooking in Khao Lak: $71
- Fun Learning Thai Cooking with Local Market from Khao Lak: $72
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $88
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $100
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary, Rubber Tapping & Coconut Cooking: $113
- Bamboo Cooking Rafting with Khuk Khak Temple Tour from Khao Lak: $115
- Khao Lak Bamboo Rafting and Bamboo Cooking with Waterfall Tour: $121
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $122
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $21Xiamen $17
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $56
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $78
- ATV Adventure: Khao Lak’s Best Off-Road Experience: $94
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $110
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $38
- Cheow Lan Lake Tour with Cave and Rafthouse from Khao Lak: $125
- Cheow Lan Lake and Diamond Cave Full Day Tour from Khao Lak: $129
- Cheow Lan Lake with Nam Rad Emerald Pool Tour from Khao Lak: $109
- Day Tour with Sea Canoeing at Hong Island from Khao Lak: $87
- Experience Khao Sok Jungle Escape Half Day Half Night: $122
- From Khao Lak : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $141
- Full Day 3 Spiritual Temple Tour with Lunch from Khao Lak: $82
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sailing & Sea Experience.: $22
- Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple & Luoyang Bridge Tour: $70
- Xiamen Gulangyu Island Half Day Tour: $83
- Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
- Xiamen Private Highlight Tour-Gulangyu Island, Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Private Half-Day Tour to the Most Famous Scenic Jimei School Village in Xiamen: $106
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $124
- Shanghai Metro Tour: $127
- Xiamen Layover Day Tour-Gulangyu,Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum: $132
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Xiamen $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Xiamen, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Xiamen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xiamen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xiamen 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 Xiamen.
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 Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Xiamen?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?
Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Xiamen. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It's quite rainy in Xiamen. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Xiamen. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Xiamen in the Autumn?
Both Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Xiamen in the Winter?
Both Xiamen 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 Xiamen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Xiamen averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Khao Lak usually gets more rain in January than Xiamen. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Xiamen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
In April, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
Xiamen 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 Xiamen. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (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.