Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Dali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dali or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dali and Koh Pha Ngan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dali or Koh Pha Ngan?
Dali
Dali is a city in southern China with a long and glorious history dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Xiaguan neighborhood of the city is the modern industrial center where most public transportation arrives; however, the Old Town of Dali is the place that draws the most visitors. Being one of China's ancient cities, Dali is said to have been a gateway to the Silk Road, and still attracts attention with its traditional architecture, beautiful scenery, ethnic cultures, and nightlife.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDali $49Koh Pha Ngan $51
The average daily cost (per person) in Dali is $49, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $51. 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 Dali and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDali $17Koh Pha Ngan $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDali $34Koh Pha Ngan $52
Compare Hotels in Dali and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Dali 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: Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dali $9.45Koh Pha Ngan $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dali
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dali:
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Local Bus$0.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dali
Also for Dali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dali Airport Chauffeur Service,Dali Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang/Shuhe hotel: $149
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang/Shuhe hotel and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$9.27
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Ferry Ride$15
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Gas for Scooter$3.40
Is it cheaper to fly into Dali or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Dali 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 dayDali $18Koh Pha Ngan $12
Typical Food Prices in Dali
For Dali, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$4.54
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Breakfast$3.55
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.24
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.24
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Ice Cream$0.62
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Juice$1.85
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3 Spring Rolls$0.93
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2 Pancakes$1.85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dali $18Koh Pha Ngan $19
Tours and Activities in Dali
For Dali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Erhai Sightseeing in Dali: $129
- 1-Day Tie Dye Experience Tour in Dali: $160
- Private hiking tour to Cangshan Mountain from Dali: $175
- Private tour to Xizhou old town local market Erhai lake three Pagodas from Dali: $184
- Dali Private Tour to Xizhou Ancient Town and Erhai Lake : $186
- 1-Day Dali tour with the Daili old town, Xizhou Village and Three Pagodas: $195
- 2-Days Self-Guided tour from Dali to Lijiang and overnight in Shaxi old town: $205
- All inclusive Dali Erhai cruise three pagoda xizhou market: $210
- Private Customized Tour: Dali City Highlights in One Day: $213
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Dali: $213
- Private Day Tour: Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient Town: $217
- Dali Yunnan Local Market + Pottery Making Eco Tour: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDali $11Koh Pha Ngan $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$8.03
When comparing the travel costs between Dali 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dali Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dali or Koh Pha Ngan?
Dali has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Dali 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.
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.