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

Should you visit Bangkok or Shenzhen?

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 Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen?

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.

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

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


Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Bangkok?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $76, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $123. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangkok $41
    Shenzhen $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangkok $82
    Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen


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 $5.77
    Shenzhen $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok

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


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    $2.18
  • Skytrain Ticket
    $4.36
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    $0.87
  • Ferry Ride
    $0.71
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.82
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.45
  • Boat Taxi
    $1.36
  • Trains to airport
    $4.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:

  • Tuk-tuk tour Bangkok by Night with Chinatown meal and hotel transfers: $55
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Hua Hin APT-HTL (BKK): $71
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Bangkok HTL- APT(BKK): $14
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Bangkok APT-HTL (BKK): $17
  • Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Rayong Province: $85
  • Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Koh Chang: $130
  • Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to HuaHin: $74
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya: $53
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Hua Hin: $68
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Bangkok Hotel by Deluxe Vehicle: $135
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Ayutthaya: $45
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Aranyaprathet: $153

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Port - Round- Trip Private Transfer : $90
  • Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
  • Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
  • Hong Kong Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Terminal to Airport: $62
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Shenzhen?

Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 $18
    Shenzhen $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)
    $25
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    $5.46
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    $1.23
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    $0.82
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Pad Thai
    $1.91
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Lunch for 2
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok

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

  • Bangkok Food Tour and Sightseeing with Tuktuk: $16
  • White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
  • Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
  • Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
  • River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
  • Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $23
  • Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $24
  • 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
  • Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
  • Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
  • Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
  • Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vegetarian Food Tour: $77
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
  • Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
  • Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $160
  • Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $160
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangkok $16
    Shenzhen $17
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
    $4.36
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    $9.55
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    $1.36
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Club Cover Charge
    $10
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    $65
  • Fish Pedicure
    $4.09
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    $2.73
  • Siriraj Museum (2)
    $11

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
  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
  • Bangkok 5 Hour Cultural & Temples Tour Private: $82
  • Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
  • Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $146
  • Private Customized Bangkok Tour With Driver : $50
  • Sunset Sail, Glittering Temspls at Afternoon Ayutthaya Tours : $59
  • Tuk-Tuk Tour Bangkok By Night With Chinatown Street: $64
  • 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience : $17
  • 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $113
  • 2-Day River Kwai Experience from Bangkok: $224

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line! Walk to the Peak: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
  • Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
  • Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $14
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
  • Lovely Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
  • [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
  • TramOramic Sightseeing Tour plus 2-Day Tramways Ticket: $23
  • sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets: $23
  • Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangkok $5.97
    Shenzhen $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok

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


  • Beer
    $1.09

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:

  • Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $22


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Shenzhen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Shenzhen?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?

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

In July, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Shenzhen. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Shenzhen. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangkok 29°C (84°F) 
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Bangkok or Shenzhen in the Autumn?

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

Bangkok is a little warmer than Shenzhen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangkok 28°C (83°F) 
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Bangkok or Shenzhen in the Winter?

Both Shenzhen and Bangkok during the winter 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 winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Shenzhen. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangkok 27°C (80°F) 
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Bangkok or Shenzhen in the Spring?

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

In April, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangkok 31°C (87°F) 
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Bangkok

Bangkok Shenzhen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 31°C (87°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 344 mm (13.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 242 mm (9.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)