A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cheju (Jeju) vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Pha Ngan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Pha Ngan?

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

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 Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $72, 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 Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
    Koh Pha Ngan $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
    Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju)


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: Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
    Koh Pha Ngan $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57

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 Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Pha Ngan?

Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Cheju (Jeju) 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
    Cheju (Jeju) $17
    Koh Pha Ngan $10
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

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.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
    Koh Pha Ngan $17

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Visitors to Jeju Glass Museum and Experience: $25
  • [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
  • [Jeju] Woman Diver Haenyeo Traditional Clothes Rental Experience: $32
  • Full-Day Private Jumbo taxi Tour - East of Jeju Island (UNESCO): $55
  • Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
  • Seogwipo (The Southern City of Jeju) Jungmun Area Walking Tour: $55
  • jeju Private Day Taxi tour - West of Jeju Island: $60
  • Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
  • Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $63
  • Private Tour Cheonjeyeon Falls & Osulloc Museum in Jeju Island : $65
  • Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $66
  • Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Bus Tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
    Koh Pha Ngan $9.89

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 Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Pha Ngan?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Pha Ngan?

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Cheju (Jeju) 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.

Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, 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 Cheju (Jeju). In July, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Cheju (Jeju) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 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 October
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 5°C (41°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 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 January
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Koh Pha Ngan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)