A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Jaisalmer for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Jaisalmer?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Jaisalmer. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Koh Tarutao or Jaisalmer?

Koh Tarutao

While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much more.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer or Koh Tarutao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Tarutao is $98, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $37. 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 Koh Tarutao and Jaisalmer in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Tarutao $50
    Jaisalmer $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Tarutao $100
    Jaisalmer $26
Compare Hotels in Koh Tarutao and Jaisalmer

Looking for a hotel in Koh Tarutao or Jaisalmer? 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.

Hotels in Koh Tarutao


Hotels in Jaisalmer


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: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $34
    Jaisalmer $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
  • Private transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner: $120
  • Private Transfers Jaisalmer To Bikaner Drop: $123
  • Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $37
  • Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $45
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Sam Sand Dunes: $19
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Khuri Sand Dunes: $19
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple : $45
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Tarutao or Jaisalmer?

Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer and Koh Tarutao 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Tarutao $28
    Jaisalmer $13

Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:


  • Dinner
    $4.78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Half Day SunSet Tour with Dinner: $26
  • Jaisalmer Heritage Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $28
  • Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
  • Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $33
  • Peaceful Non -Touristic Sunset Camel Safari With Dinner : $35
  • Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
  • Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $42
  • Sun Set Safari with Dinner: $45
  • 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $48
  • Away from the Crowd Dinner on dunes/ In Non Touristic Desert: $55
  • DiNnER iN HeVeN /aT Golden Desert of Jaisalmer: $55
  • DiNnER !N G0LdEN DE$ERT 0F jASeLMeR: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $14
    Jaisalmer $12

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sam Sand Dunes for Two
    $3.59

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.

  • Private Full-Day Tour of Jaisalmer with Guide: $33
  • 1 Night Desert Experience Sleeping Under Star Near Jodhpur: $56
  • 1 night 2 day thar desert experience & village lifestyle: $38
  • 2 Days-1 Night Camel Tour: $103
  • 2 Nights 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour & Non-Touristic Camel Safari: $210
  • 2-Night Desert Experience with Luxury Camp from Jaisalmer: $213
  • 3 Days Jaisalmer Private Tour: $180
  • 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour From Jodhpur: $270
  • 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $203
  • 3-Day Private Tour of Jaisalmer with Desert Camp Experience: $173
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $180
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Tarutao $7.01
    Jaisalmer $9.23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Jaisalmer, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Koh Tarutao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tarutao than you might in Jaisalmer.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Jaisalmer Expensive?.


Related Articles for Koh Tarutao