Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou?
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 Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou?
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.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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 PricesZhengzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $150Zhengzhou $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $150, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $69. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $57Zhengzhou $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $114Zhengzhou $44
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Zhengzhou? 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 $58Zhengzhou $15
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: $47
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $106
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Walk with Hotel Transfer – 2 Hours: $72
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink & Transfer: $94
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $194
- Phuket Airport(HKT)&Hotel Transfers:Private—Phuket/Khao Lak/Krabi: $18
- Private Minivan Transfer from Khao Lak hotels to Phuket Airport: $67
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to or from Khao Lak: $37
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $237
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $62
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $55
- Zhengzhou Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $100
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes: $98
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service!: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $59Zhengzhou $38
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
- Hands on Cooking Class at Riverside Thai Cooking in Khao Lak: $70
- Half-Day Small Group Thai Cooking Class from Khao Lak: $76
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $87
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $100
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary, Rubber Tapping & Coconut Cooking: $112
- Bamboo Cooking Rafting with Khuk Khak Temple Tour from Khao Lak: $114
- Khao Lak Bamboo Rafting and Bamboo Cooking with Waterfall Tour: $120
- Khao Lak : Bamboo Cooking and Bamboo Rafting Tour: $122
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $21Zhengzhou $5.30
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $38
- Khaolak Half Day: Phang Nga Bay, Tapu Island & Panyi Village Tour: $47
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $56
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Small-Group Guided Tour: $56
- Sky Rock High Thrill Rainforest Zipline Adventure from Khao Lak: $60
- James Bond, Hong & Khai Islands Premium Tour from Khao Lak: $72
- Temples Tour in Thailand from Khaolak: $75
- Takuapa Old Town Historical and Cultural Day Tour from Khao Lak: $75
- Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Islands Tour By Seastar Andaman From Khao Lak: $76
- Khao Lak ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $78
- Khao Lak Waterfalls and Lakes Half Day Cycling Tour with lunch: $78
- Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $78
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private tour to Shaolin temple start from Zhengzhou or luoyang: $18
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Shaolin Temple One Day Tour: $125
- Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
- Zhengzhou By Night: Erqi Square and Market Tour: $137
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
- Half Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Entry Tickets: $159
- Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Experience: $160
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Zhengzhou Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Zhengzhou $4.26
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Zhengzhou, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou.
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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 1180 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?
Both Zhengzhou 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.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Zhengzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zhengzhou during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 215 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?
Both Zhengzhou 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.
In the autumn, Khao Lak is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zhengzhou. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 188 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Zhengzhou. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 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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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Zhengzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
It's quite cold in Zhengzhou in the winter. In January, Khao Lak is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).
In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Zhengzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Zhengzhou. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Lak is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Zhengzhou. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 201 hours of full sun.
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Zhengzhou. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 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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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Zhengzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.