Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) 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: Busan (Pusan) or Koh Pha Ngan?
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
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 Tours for Seniors to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $86Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, 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 Busan (Pusan) and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Koh Pha Ngan $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) 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: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices and Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Koh Pha Ngan $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$8.18
-
Ferry Ride$14
-
Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Busan (Pusan) 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 dayBusan (Pusan) $26Koh Pha Ngan $10
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
-
McDonald's$4.48
-
Carp Bread$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $49
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110
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)$1.09
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
-
Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
-
Ice Cream$0.55
-
Juice$1.64
-
3 Spring Rolls$0.82
-
2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Koh Pha Ngan $17
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $8.00
- Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $13
- The Way of Tea - Experience: $38
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $41
- Full-Day Busan City Tour: $51
- Full day Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan: $60
- Romantic Jinhae Cherry Blossom Night Tour - Depart from Busan: $65
- Tour to Busan Highlights Hydrangea, Songdo and Gamcheon : $67
- Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan: $67
- West Busan Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Koh Pha Ngan $9.89
Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Busan Pub Crawl: $20
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)$7.09
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Koh Pha Ngan?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) or Koh Pha Ngan?
Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. October and November in Koh Pha Ngan is the rainy season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.