Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan, 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: Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
Koh Pha Ngan
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45. 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 Aqaba and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Koh Pha Ngan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan? 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Koh Pha Ngan $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Aqaba Airport AQJ Private Transfer to Multi Destinations: $65
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba, Jordan : $35
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba Border Yitzhak Rabin Terminal to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Petra Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Aqaba Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $70
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Ferry Ride$14
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Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $42Koh Pha Ngan $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.09
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
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Ice Cream$0.55
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Juice$1.64
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3 Spring Rolls$0.82
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2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Koh Pha Ngan $17
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $22
- Aqaba Local Tour : $28
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $28
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Koh Pha Ngan $9.89
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.09
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Koh Pha Ngan is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Koh Pha Ngan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba than you might in Koh Pha Ngan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Koh Pha Ngan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Koh Pha Ngan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Aqaba is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.