Which place is cheaper, Khao Sok National Park or Penang?
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 Penang or Khao Sok 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 Penang and Khao Sok 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: Penang or Khao Sok National Park?
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
Khao Sok National Park
In the south of Thailand, visitors will find a gorgeous getaway of pure nature. The Khao Sok National Park is a jungle reserve that covers over 700 square kilometers, and described as one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the country.
Many say this jungle is over 160 million years old making it one of the world's oldest rainforests. The lush environment of limestone, waterfalls and thickets of vegetation will make any wanderer eager to discover more. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, boars, gaurs, tapirs, gibbons, deer, marbled cats, wild elephants and more. Look to the sky for over 300 species of bird and 38 different types of bats.
You'll find the best time to book is from December to April, better known as the dry season. From June to October there is significantly more rain and the threat of monsoons. Not only does it rain on your parade, but also it causes the leeches to emerge.
To enter the park is a 300 baht fee for foreigners, 150 for children, and 40 for Thai citizens. If someone tries to sell you a ticket for more than that, simply buy one at the park entrance. When planning your stay remember that your entrance fee is only valid for 24 hours. If you're staying multiple days, you'll need to pay up front. Often if you're with a tour, the entrance fee is included in the tour price, but you should inquire about this to make sure.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesKhao Sok National Park Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Khao Sok National Park $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Khao Sok National Park is $126. 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 Penang and Khao Sok National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Khao Sok National Park $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Khao Sok National Park $56
Compare Hotels in Penang and Khao Sok National Park
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Khao Sok 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.
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: Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Khao Sok National Park $74
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.43
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Island Ferry$0.57
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $22
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $22
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Khao Sok National Park?
Prices for flights to both Khao Sok National Park and Penang 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 dayPenang $64Khao Sok National Park $52
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.90
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
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Lassy Juice$1.66
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Dinner for 2$3.57
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Street Stall Food$0.67
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Khao Sok National Park $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.37
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.38
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $7.31
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $17
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $32
- Georgetown Half Day City Tour: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Khao Sok National Park $6.50
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.90
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Khao Sok National Park, we can see that Penang 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 Penang Expensive? and Is Khao Sok National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Penang or Khao Sok 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 Penang or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Khao Sok National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Khao Sok National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Sok National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Penang usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Sok National Park this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Sok National Park during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Sok National Park receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
Penang is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Khao Sok National Park 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Penang or Khao Sok National Park in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Khao Sok National Park. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Khao Sok National Park. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Khao Sok National Park. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Penang is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Khao Sok National Park 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Penang or Khao Sok National Park in the Winter?
Both Khao Sok National Park and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Khao Sok National Park. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Khao Sok National Park 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Penang or Khao Sok National Park in the Spring?
Both Khao Sok National Park and Penang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Sok National Park year-round.
Khao Sok National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Khao Sok National Park. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Khao Sok National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Sok National Park receives 249 hours of full sun.
Penang is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Khao Sok National Park 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Penang
| Penang | Khao Sok National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.