Which place is cheaper, Khao Sok National Park or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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: Shanghai or Khao Sok National Park?
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Khao Sok National Park $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Khao Sok National Park is $88. 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 Shanghai and Khao Sok National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Khao Sok National Park $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Khao Sok National Park $44
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Khao Sok National Park
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $3.87Khao Sok National Park $64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Departure Transfers: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $18
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Maglev Train Station to City Area : $25
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
- Private Transfer: Shanghai New International Expo Centre and City Hotels: $26
- Private Departure Transfer to Hongqiao Railway Station from Shanghai City: $26
- Private Transfer between Shanghai NECC and City Area : $28
- Private Transfer: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Hotels: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Khao Sok National Park?
Prices for flights to both Khao Sok National Park and Shanghai 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 dayShanghai $21Khao Sok National Park $26
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.18
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.14
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
- Shanghai Hot pot dinner foodie tour with guide and one way private transfer: $113
- Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer and Dinner Option: $130
- Private Wet Market Visit with Cooking Class in Shanghai: $138
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.42Khao Sok National Park $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great service: $38
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
- 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour: $45
- Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets Booking: $47
- Small Group 2.5-Hour Walking Tour - Spots Hiding Behind the Shanghai Bund: $51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.35Khao Sok National Park $5.65
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl - Bar-hopping/Night life tour: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Khao Sok National Park, we can see that Shanghai 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Khao Sok National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai or Khao Sok National Park?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Khao Sok National Park experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Shanghai or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?
Both Khao Sok National Park and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Khao Sok National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Khao Sok National Park during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Sok National Park receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Khao Sok National Park 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Khao Sok National Park in the Autumn?
Both Khao Sok National Park and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Sok National Park year-round.
In October, Shanghai is generally cooler than Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Sok National Park receives 181 hours of full sun.
Khao Sok National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Khao Sok National Park. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Khao Sok National Park 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Khao Sok National Park in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Khao Sok National Park. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Khao Sok National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Shanghai is much colder than Khao Sok National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Sok National Park this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Sok National Park receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Khao Sok National Park. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Khao Sok National Park 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Khao Sok National Park in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Khao Sok National Park. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.
In the spring, Shanghai is much colder than Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Sok National Park receives 249 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Khao Sok National Park. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Khao Sok National Park. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Khao Sok National Park 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Khao Sok National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.