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

Should you visit Penang 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 Penang 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: Penang or Khao Yai 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 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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, and The Best Eco Tours in Thailand.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Khao Yai National Park is $62. 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 Yai National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $49
    Khao Yai National Park $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $98
    Khao Yai National Park $72
Compare Hotels in Penang and Khao Yai National Park

Looking for a hotel in Penang 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 Penang


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $12
    Khao Yai National Park $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

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


  • Local Bus
    $1.26
  • Island Ferry
    $0.50
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.57
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $9.64
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $6.29
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
  • Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
  • Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
  • Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
  • Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
  • Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29

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

Prices for flights to both Khao Yai 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 Yai National Park $17
Typical Food Prices in Penang

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


  • Snack
    $1.68
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $72
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $61
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.47
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.14
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.59
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $3.98
  • 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
  • Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
  • 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
  • Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
  • 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
  • Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
  • 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
  • Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
  • Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
  • Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $49
    Khao Yai National Park $8.77
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
    $6.50
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $6.29
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.42
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    $2.10

Tours and Activities in Penang

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

  • Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
  • 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
  • 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
  • 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $151
  • Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
  • Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
  • Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
  • Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
  • Discover Penang City Tour: $47
  • Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
  • Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
  • Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $15
    Khao Yai National Park $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

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


  • Beer
    $1.68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Khao Yai National Park, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Khao Yai National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Khao Yai National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Khao Yai 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 Yai 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 Yai National Park Expensive?.



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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Penang or Khao Yai National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Khao Yai National Park. Penang 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. Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets less rain in July than Khao Yai National Park. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 315 mm (12.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the summer, Penang often gets more sunshine than Khao Yai National Park. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 176 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Penang is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)

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

Both Khao Yai National Park and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang 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 Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Park. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


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

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

Both Khao Yai National Park and Penang during the winter 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 Yai National Park year-round.

Penang usually gets more rain in January than Khao Yai National Park. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Penang is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)

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

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

Khao Yai National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Park. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 128 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Yai National Park this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Penang is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 30°C (87°F).


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

Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Penang

Penang Khao Yai National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 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) 240 mm (9.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 225 mm (8.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 277 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 315 mm (12.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 385 mm (15.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)