A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Pha Ngan 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Pha Ngan?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
    Koh Pha Ngan Prices
    Thailand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $56
    Koh Pha Ngan $61

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $61. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
    Koh Pha Ngan $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
    Koh Pha Ngan $54
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.

Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Koh Pha Ngan


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10
    Koh Pha Ngan $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Aljibe, Tango and Folk Show With Transfer: $66
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Luxury Van: $154
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $146
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $146
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport AEP to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $125
  • Arrival Transfer: Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Sedan: $126
  • Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer: $45
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires - Round -Trip Transfer: $107
  • Buenos Aires Airport Arrival Transfer (Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires Hotel or Address): $71
  • Buenos Aires Airport EZE to Buenos Aires Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Buenos Aires Airport EZE to Buenos Aires-Arrival Private Transfer: $54

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.42
  • Ferry Ride
    $16
  • Gas for Scooter
    $3.45

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Pha Ngan?

Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.60
    Koh Pha Ngan $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $25
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Lesson: $31
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $32
  • Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $35
  • Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $38
  • Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $40
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
  • Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $44
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
  • Exclusive Italian Lunch or Dinner at Puny Pasta and Grill: $50

Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:


  • Noodle Lunch (for One)
    $1.26
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Smoothies (for Two)
    $1.26
  • Ice Cream
    $0.63
  • Juice
    $1.88
  • 3 Spring Rolls
    $0.94
  • 2 Pancakes
    $1.88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
    Koh Pha Ngan $19

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • B.A Hidden Wonders Tour Parque Chas and Agronomía Park: $12
  • Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $12
  • Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
  • La Boca Walking Tour: $13
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.27
    Koh Pha Ngan $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $37
  • Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
  • BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $51
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
  • Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $63
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)
    $8.16


When comparing the travel costs between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Koh Pha Ngan 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. Even though Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America and Koh Pha Ngan is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Pha Ngan?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 1100 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Pha Ngan?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Pha Ngan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Nganin July. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Nganin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F)in October.

Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than Koh Pha Nganin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Nganin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Koh Pha Nganin April. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Koh Pha Nganin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Koh Pha Ngan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)