Which place is cheaper, Khao Yai National Park or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Phuket or Khao Yai National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Khao Yai National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Phuket or Khao Yai National Park?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the tourist mecca of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $105Khao Yai National Park $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $105, 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 Phuket and Khao Yai National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $56Khao Yai National Park $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $112Khao Yai National Park $72
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Khao Yai National Park
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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.
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: Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $11Khao Yai National Park $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$8.18
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$6.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Ziplining Hanuman Experience in Phuket with Roundtrip Transfer (SHA Plus): $86
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket HTL-APT (HKT): $27
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket APT-HTL (HKT): $27
- Transfer from Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotel: $21
- TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to PHUKET TOWN (SHA Plus): $30
- TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to LAGUNA Beach Area (SHA Plus): $25
- Simon Cabaret Phuket Show Included Tickets and Transfer: $29
- Similan Islands One Day Tour From Phuket Include Lunch & Pickup Transfer: $82
- Siam Niramit Phuket Admission Ticket with Transfer Option: $45
- Shared Transfer from Phuket to Koh Tao by Coach and Catamaran: $59
- Shared Transfer Phuket International Airport (HKT) To Phuket City - Arrival: $33
- RoundTrip Priva Transfer Phuket Airport to Talang, Kathu or Muang: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Khao Yai National Park?
Prices for flights to both Khao Yai National Park and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $22Khao Yai National Park $17
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.88
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.64
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
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Thai Noodles$2.45
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Bananas$0.68
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Pizza (for Two)$8.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $36
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $43
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $44
- Thai Cooking Class 2 Hrs ( 4 Dishes Menu): $47
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
- Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $52
- Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $53
- Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55
- Flavours of the South Food Tour: $57
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $42Khao Yai National Park $8.77
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$25
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$68
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Thai Oil Massage$17
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Surfboard Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
- Khai Island Half Day Tour by Speedboat from Phuket (SHA Plus): $61
- Whitewater Rafting & ATV Adventure Tour from Phuket including Lunch: $119
- Zipline Adventure 32 Platforms + Roller + Skywalk: $108
- 2 Hours Phuket Old Town Street Food Walking Tour: $45
- 2-Hour ATV Tour from Phuket: $77
- 2x Snorkelling Phi Phi, Maiton, Maya Bay, khai islands tour: $58
- 4 Waters Eco Adventure: $96
- 4 Waters Eco Adventure Full Day Tour: $103
- 4 Waters Eco Adventure from Phuket Including Lunch: $145
- 4-Hours Phuket Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Tour with Lunch: $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $6.35Khao Yai National Park $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$5.46
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Beer$2.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
- Pub Crawl Tour: $25
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $78
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $97
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Khao Yai National Park, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Khao Yai National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Phuket 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 Phuket or Khao Yai National Park in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Khao Yai National Park. Phuket 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. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets less rain in July than Khao Yai National Park. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 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 Phuket this time of the year. In the summer, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Khao Yai National Park. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 176 hours of full sun.
In July, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Khao Yai National Park in the Autumn?
Both Khao Yai National Park and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Yai National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Phuket is December to March. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Park. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Khao Yai National Park. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Khao Yai National Park 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Khao Yai National Park in the Winter?
Both Khao Yai National Park and Phuket during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket 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.
December to March is the dry season in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in January than Khao Yai National Park. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Khao Yai National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the winter, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Yai National Park. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 276 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Phuket is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Khao Yai National Park in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Khao Yai National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Khao Yai National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Khao Yai National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Phuket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Khao Yai National Park. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 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 Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Yai National Park during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 30°C (87°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Khao Yai National Park 30°C (87°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Phuket
| Phuket | Khao Yai National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 225 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 277 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 315 mm (12.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 385 mm (15.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.