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

Should you visit Shiretoko National Park or Khao Sok National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Shiretoko National Park or Khao Sok 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: Shiretoko National Park or Khao Sok National Park?

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park, Japan is comprises the entire Shiretoko Penninusla in the northeast island of Hokkaido. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most remote areas in Japan with very few and very small settlements. This makes Shiretoko the perfect place for a fun hiking and camping adventure.

While the park is open year round, the weather in the area tends to greatly affect the enjoyment of your trip due to harsh winters and heavy rain at the end of summer. There is a short period from May to early July that is considered the best time to visit due to slightly less rain and comfortable temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shiretoko National Park Expensive? and Is Khao Sok National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Shiretoko National Park or Khao Sok National Park?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?

Both Khao Sok National Park and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Khao Sok National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Sok National Park. Shiretoko National Park usually receives less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park during summer. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 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. In July, Shiretoko National Park usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Shiretoko National Park gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Khao Sok National Park in the Autumn?

Both Khao Sok National Park and Shiretoko National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Sok National Park year-round.

In the autumn, Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shiretoko National Park in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Shiretoko National Park often gets less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park. Shiretoko National Park gets 158 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. Shiretoko National Park usually gets less rain in October than Khao Sok National Park. Shiretoko National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Khao Sok National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shiretoko National Park and Khao Sok National Park. Khao Sok National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In January, Shiretoko National Park is generally much colder than Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Shiretoko National Park average around -6°C (20°F), 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. Shiretoko National Park usually receives less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park during winter. Shiretoko National Park gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Sok National Park receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shiretoko National Park usually receives more rain than Khao Sok National Park. Shiretoko National Park gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Khao Sok National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shiretoko National Park as well as Khao Sok National Park. The natural beauty are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the spring. Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Khao Sok National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around 5°C (40°F) in April, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. In the spring, Shiretoko National Park often gets less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 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. Shiretoko National Park usually gets less rain in April than Khao Sok National Park. Shiretoko National Park gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Shiretoko National Park