A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Penang vs. Khao Sok National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Sok National Park or Penang?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $104, while the average daily cost in Khao Sok National Park 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 Penang and Khao Sok National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $49
    Khao Sok National Park $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $98
    Khao Sok National Park $44
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.

Hotels in Penang


Hotels in Khao Sok 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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $12
    Khao Sok National Park $65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:


  • Local Bus
    $1.27
  • Island Ferry
    $0.51
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.57
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $9.71
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $6.33
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
  • Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
  • Penang Airport Transfer to Penang Beach Hotel/Resort or vice versa: $23
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Penang Airport to Town Area : $35
  • Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Penang Island hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $39
  • Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $39
  • Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $39

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Penang $33
    Khao Sok National Park $26
Typical Food Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:


  • Snack
    $1.69
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $72
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $61
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.48
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.17
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.59
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.01
  • Italian Lunch (for Two)
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.

  • Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
  • 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $62
  • Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
  • 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
  • Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
  • Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
  • Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
  • Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
  • Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
  • Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $138
  • Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $49
    Khao Sok National Park $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang

Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Butterfly Gardens
    $6.54
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $6.33
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.42
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    $2.11

Tours and Activities in Penang

Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.41
  • Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.74
  • Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket - General: $7.18
  • Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
  • TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.41
  • Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
  • Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
  • Malaysia: Penang Habitat Admission Ticket: $14
  • Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm Admission Ticket: $14
  • THE TOP Komtar Penang Skywalk Admission Ticket : $18
  • Skip the Line: Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $16
    Khao Sok National Park $5.71
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:


  • Beer
    $1.69


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

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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 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)