A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Guangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bangkok or Guangzhou?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Guangzhou can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Bangkok or Guangzhou?

Bangkok

Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Bangkok?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $83, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $90. 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 Bangkok and Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangkok $45
    Guangzhou $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangkok $90
    Guangzhou $116
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Guangzhou? 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.

Hotels in Bangkok


Hotels in Guangzhou


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: Bangkok Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangkok $6.27
    Guangzhou $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    $2.37
  • Skytrain Ticket
    $4.74
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    $0.95
  • Ferry Ride
    $0.77
  • Taxi From Airport
    $7.41
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.67
  • Boat Taxi
    $1.48
  • Trains to airport
    $4.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:

  • 3 Temple Bangkok City Tour without Admission Ticket & Transfer: $50
  • Ancient City (Mueang Boran) Entrance Tickets With Hotel Transfer: $49
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK or DMK to Bangkok City Luxury Car: $122
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK or DMK to Bangkok City by Minivan: $27
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK or DMK to Bangkok City by Sedan Car: $17
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok in Business Car: $73
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok in Luxury Van: $98
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Don Mueang Airport DMK to Bangkok in Business Car: $62
  • BANGKOK TRANSFER: Bangkok Airport to Bangkok Hotel + FREE WIFI: $15
  • BKK Airport - Hua Hin/Cha-am 100% Electric Private Transfer : $104
  • Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Airport Transfer - Central Bangkok Hotel: $47
  • Bangkok Airport (BKK) Transfers Service : $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 6 seat mpv: $74
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
  • Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $100
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
  • Guangzhou City to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou and Bangkok 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bangkok $20
    Guangzhou $20
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:


  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)
    $27
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    $5.93
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    $1.33
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    $0.89
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    $5.93
  • Pad Thai
    $2.07
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    $16
  • Lunch for 2
    $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.

  • White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $21
  • Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $23
  • River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
  • Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $26
  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Local Market: $26
  • Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $27
  • White Orchid Dinner Cruise Luxury Experience in Bangkok: $27
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $27
  • Must-try: Hidden Bangkok Bike and Food Tour: $28
  • Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $30
  • Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $30
  • Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
  • Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
  • Private Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Cruise: $110
  • Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $119
  • World 8th Tallest Building (one of Best View point & dinner): $120
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $153
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $153
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
  • Private City Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $220
  • Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangkok $17
    Guangzhou $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok

Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Movie Ticket
    $4.74
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    $10
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    $1.48
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    $5.93
  • Club Cover Charge
    $11
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    $71
  • Fish Pedicure
    $4.45
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    $2.96
  • Siriraj Museum (2)
    $12

Tours and Activities in Bangkok

Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Road to Democracy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Thailand's Modern Politics: $5.00
  • Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Skip the Line: Ayutthaya Floating Market Admission Ticket: $5.86
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Bangkok's Most Picturesque Sights: $6.99
  • Bangkok's Wireless Road: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Best of Bangkok in 2 Days: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.15
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl.): $9.00
  • Wat Arun Self-Guided Walking Tour (entry not incl.): $9.00
  • Skip the Line Admission Ticket of Ayothaya Floating Market: $9.15
  • Skip the Line Admission Ticket of Ayothaya Floating Market: $9.15
  • Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $10
  • Grand Palace Self-Guided Walking Tour (entry not incl.): $10

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
  • Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
  • Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
  • Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
  • Private Tour for Canton Culture and Food with Airport Pick Up : $60
  • Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $78
  • Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
  • Foodie Tour with a Guide: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangkok $6.49
    Guangzhou $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:

  • The Bangkok Pub Crawl: $27


When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Bangkok Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Guangzhou?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Guangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Guangzhou, 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 Bangkok or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Guangzhou in the Summer?

Both Guangzhou and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.

Bangkok is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Guangzhou. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Guangzhou during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In July, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangkok 29°C (84°F) 
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Bangkok or Guangzhou in the Autumn?

Both Guangzhou and Bangkok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Bangkok is a little warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Guangzhou. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangkok 28°C (83°F) 
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Bangkok or Guangzhou in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.

In January, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangkok 27°C (80°F) 
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Bangkok or Guangzhou in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Guangzhou. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Bangkok is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangkok 31°C (87°F) 
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Bangkok

Bangkok Guangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 31°C (87°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 344 mm (13.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 242 mm (9.5 in) 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)