A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Khao Yai National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Khao Yai National Park?

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 Kuala Lumpur and Khao Yai National Park. 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: Kuala Lumpur or Khao Yai National Park?

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.

Khao Yai National Park

Adventurous travelers are always in search of new terrain to conquer. At over 2,000 square kilometers, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's second largest national park, and just full of jungles to trek through. In the southwest of Thailand is a sanctuary of mountains and waterfalls.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, and The Best Eco Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Yai National Park or Kuala Lumpur?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Kuala Lumpur Prices
    Malaysia Prices
    Khao Yai National Park Prices
    Thailand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kuala Lumpur $83
    Khao Yai National Park $85

The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $83, while the average daily cost in Khao Yai National Park is $85. 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 Kuala Lumpur and Khao Yai National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kuala Lumpur $41
    Khao Yai National Park $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kuala Lumpur $82
    Khao Yai National Park $82
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Khao Yai National Park

Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Khao Yai National Park? 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 Kuala Lumpur


Hotels in Khao Yai National Park


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: Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $7.21
    Khao Yai National Park $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.76
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Taxi From Airport
    $21
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.90
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $2.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur

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

  • ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $77
  • ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $268
  • VIP Transfer by Mercedes Benz : Airport to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $87
  • VIP Departure Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $202
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur APT-HTL (KUL): $28
  • Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort : $30
  • Taman Negara Kuala Tahan Transfer Private Hyundai Starex: $120
  • Sunway Lagoon: Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $99
  • Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park with Round-Trip Transfer: $94
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer (1-way): $17
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Khao Yai National Park?

Prices for flights to both Khao Yai National Park and Kuala Lumpur 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
    Kuala Lumpur $29
    Khao Yai National Park $33
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Ding Tai Fung
    $9.51
  • Roti Bread
    $0.24
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.42
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $5.11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur

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

  • Private Night Tour Batu Caves and South Indian Dinner: $20
  • Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
  • Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $53
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
  • Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
  • Malaysia Cooking Classes With Local: $60
  • Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
  • Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
  • Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63
  • Firefly Park Kuala Selangor Seafood Dinner and Free Boat Ride: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $15
    Khao Yai National Park $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • KL Tower Admission (for Two)
    $11
  • Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
    $1.19

Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $182
  • Cameron Highland Day Tour From Kuala Lumpur By Group: $155
  • Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
  • Half Day Kuala Lumpur Culture And Communities Exploration Tour: $30
  • Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $55
  • KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
  • KLCC Lake Symphony & The River of Life Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $33
  • Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $61
  • Kuala Lumpur Full Day City Tour Cruise Excursion from Port Klang: $65
  • Kuala Lumpur Half Day Family Tour With Aquaria KLCC : $105
  • Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
  • Petronas Twin Tower Tickets with City Tour: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kuala Lumpur $6.58
    Khao Yai National Park $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11


When comparing the travel costs between Kuala Lumpur and Khao Yai National Park, we can see that Khao Yai National Park 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive? and Is Khao Yai National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur or Khao Yai National Park?

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 Kuala Lumpur or Khao Yai National Park in the Summer?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Yai National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Khao Yai National Park. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 315 mm (12.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Khao Yai National Park in the Autumn?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Yai National Park year-round.

Khao Yai National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Khao Yai National Park. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Khao Yai National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Khao Yai National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Khao Yai National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Khao Yai National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Park. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Yai National Park this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Khao Yai National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Khao Yai National Park. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Yai National Park throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Khao Yai National Park. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Khao Yai National Park. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 128 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 262 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 30°C (87°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 30°C (87°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Khao Yai National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 30°C (86°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 30°C (87°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 30°C (85°F) 225 mm (8.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 277 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 315 mm (12.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 385 mm (15.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in) 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 250 mm (9.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)