Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Railay Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Railay Beach, 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 Railay Beach?
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.
Railay Beach
If you're looking to scale great heights and add more achievements to your list during your vacation, consider a trip to the peninsula of Rai Leh, or more commonly Railay Bay or Railay Beach, in the Krabi region of Thailand. This swimming and rock climbing hotspot is known for its towering limestone peaks and gorgeous surrounding scenery.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $86Railay Beach $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Railay Beach is $105. 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 Railay Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Railay Beach $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Railay Beach $126
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Railay Beach
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Railay Beach? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Railay Beach $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Railay Beach?
Prices for flights to both Railay Beach 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
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Food Meals for one dayBusan (Pusan) $26Railay Beach $22
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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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 Railay Beach
Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
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Pizza$4.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Railay Beach $23
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Rock Climbing (for Two)$19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Railay Beach $15
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 Railay Beach
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Beer$1.64
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Busan (Pusan) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Busan (Pusan) 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 Railay Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Railay Beach than you might in Busan (Pusan).
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 Railay Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Busan (Pusan) or Railay Beach?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Railay Beach experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Railay Beach in the Summer?
Both Railay Beach and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Railay Beach is August to October.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Railay Beach in the Autumn?
Both Railay Beach and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.
Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Railay Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Railay Beach. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun.
Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Railay Beach. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Railay Beach 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Railay Beach in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Railay Beach. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Railay Beach this time of the year. In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Railay Beach. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Railay Beach in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Railay Beach. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.
In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Railay Beach. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 249 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Railay Beach. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Railay Beach 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Railay Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.