A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chumphon vs. Rotorua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chumphon or Rotorua?

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

Should I visit Chumphon or Rotorua? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Chumphon or Rotorua?

Chumphon

Sometimes tourism has a tendency to spoil the natural beauty of a place. This is not the case in the magical city of Chumphon, Thailand. As the gateway to the Chumphon Archipelago, this city has maintained natural, untouched beauty. Its miles of coastline are full of fine beaches with fishing, swimming and a number of other activities.

Rotorua

Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.

Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Chumphon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chumphon is $36, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $93. 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 Chumphon and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chumphon $16
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chumphon $32
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Chumphon and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Chumphon or Rotorua? 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 Chumphon


Hotels in Rotorua


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: Chumphon Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chumphon $6.32
    Rotorua $5.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua

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

  • Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Chumphon or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Chumphon 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
    Chumphon $13
    Rotorua $29
Typical Food Prices in Chumphon

For Chumphon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Ice Cream
    $0.16
  • Fruit at the Market
    $0.55
  • Breakfast
    $1.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua

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

  • Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $92
  • Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chumphon $10
    Rotorua $34

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Lunch Out for Two
    $27

Tours and Activities in Rotorua

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

  • 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $90
  • Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $30
  • Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $157
  • From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $154
  • From Wai O Tapu & Waimangu Eco Thermal Morning Tour: $86
  • From Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Te Puia Full-Day Tour: $193
  • Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $27
  • Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
  • Hells Gate Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa Experience: $50
  • Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton: $156
  • Kaituna River: 3.5-Hour White Water Sledging Experience: $77
  • Kaituna River: Whitewater Rafting Experience: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chumphon $11
    Rotorua $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chumphon

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


  • Beer (2)
    $3.82

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chumphon and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Chumphon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chumphon is in Asia and Rotorua is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Chumphon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chumphon 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 Rotorua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotorua than you might in Chumphon.

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


Which is Bigger, Chumphon or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Chumphon. When comparing the sizes of Chumphon and Rotorua, 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 Chumphon or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chumphon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Chumphon or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Chumphon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chumphon throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chumphon is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Chumphon average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Chumphon. In July, Chumphon usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Chumphon gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Chumphon 28°C (82°F) 
    Rotorua 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Chumphon or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Chumphon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chumphon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chumphon is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chumphon averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chumphon. Chumphon usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Chumphon gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Chumphon 27°C (81°F) 
    Rotorua 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Chumphon or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chumphon and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chumphon year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In the winter, Chumphon is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chumphon in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

In January, Chumphon usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Chumphon gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Chumphon 25°C (77°F) 
    Rotorua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Chumphon or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chumphon as well as Rotorua. Chumphon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the natural beauty.

In April, Chumphon is generally much warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Chumphon average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Chumphon usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Chumphon gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Chumphon 29°C (84°F) 
    Rotorua 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Chumphon

Chumphon Rotorua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)