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

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Khao Sok National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Khao Sok National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Khao Sok National Park?

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Khao Sok National Park, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

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

Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?

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

In July, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Sok National Park this time of the year. In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Sok National Park during summer. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Sok National Park receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Khao Sok National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Khao Sok National Park. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.

Zhengzhou is much colder than Khao Sok National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Zhengzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Sok National Park. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Sok National Park receives 181 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Khao Sok National Park. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in October than Khao Sok National Park. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Khao Sok National Park and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Zhengzhou in the winter. In the winter, Zhengzhou is much colder than Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhengzhou in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Khao Sok National Park. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park during winter. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Sok National Park receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Khao Sok National Park and Zhengzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Sok National Park year-round.

In April, Zhengzhou is generally much colder than Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In Khao Sok National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. In the spring, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Khao Sok National Park. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Sok National Park receives 249 hours of full sun.

Khao Sok National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Khao Sok National Park. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 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 Zhengzhou