Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bangkok or Lijiang?
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 Lijiang 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 Lijiang?
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.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $83Lijiang $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $83, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $42. 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 Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $45Lijiang $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $90Lijiang $32
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Lijiang? 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.27Lijiang $5.69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.37
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Skytrain Ticket$4.74
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.95
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Ferry Ride$0.77
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Taxi From Airport$7.41
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Short Taxi Ride$2.67
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Boat Taxi$1.48
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Trains to airport$4.74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- VIP Bangkok Tours and Transfers: $64
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Pattaya APT-HTL (BKK): $59
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Bangkok APT-HTL (BKK): $18
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hua Hin APT-HTL (DMK): $71
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Pattaya: $65
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Koh Chang: $143
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to HuaHin: $81
- Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Bangkok city: $29
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Trat: $146
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya: $53
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Ayutthaya: $45
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Aranyaprathet: $153
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang and Stops at Shaxi: $165
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Dali and Stops at Shaxi: $165
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali : $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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
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Food Meals for one dayBangkok $20Lijiang $17
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.93
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.33
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.89
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.93
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Pad Thai$2.07
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Airport Lunch for 2$16
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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
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $17Lijiang $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.74
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$10
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.48
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.93
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Club Cover Charge$11
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$71
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Fish Pedicure$4.45
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.96
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok Thrilling Tuk Tuk Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
- Mystical Waterfall and River Kwai Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $198
- (Join Tour) BANGKOK 'S 2 HOURS CANAL TOUR: $86
- 1 Hour Heritage Cruise In Ayutthaya with Classical Dance: $15
- 1 Hour Heritage Cruise in Ayutthaya with Traditional Dance: $15
- 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $125
- 2 Hour Private Bangkok Chinatown Sightseeing and Foodie Tour: $62
- 2-Day River Kwai Jungle Rafts Experience from Bangkok: $220
- 2-Day River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Tour from Bangkok: $220
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Half-Day Private Tour Tiger Leaping Gorge in Lijiang : $106
- Biking tour&guide visit Lijiang baisha village market park: $160
- One day Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tour in From Lijiang: $160
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
- 1-Day Old Town Tour in Lijiang: $166
- 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
- Lijiang Train Station Pick up and Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour : $170
- Country Biking tour to lashi lake Lamaism temple baisha village from Lijiang: $180
- Private Jade Dragon Snow Mountains and Naxi Village Tour: $187
- 2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour by public coach: $189
- 1-Day Lijiang tour with Lijiang Old Town,Black Dragon Pool,Baisha Village,Shuhe: $207
- Private Day Tour Tiger Leaping Gorge and Black Dragon Pond from Lijiang: $207
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $6.49Lijiang $8.02
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- The Bangkok Pub Crawl: $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Lijiang, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Lijiang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lijiang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lijiang 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok than you might in Lijiang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Lijiang?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lijiang. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Lijiang, 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.
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.