Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Koh Phi Phi? 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: Dalian or Koh Phi Phi?
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $103Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $103, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Dalian and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $54Koh Phi Phi $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $108Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $41Koh Phi Phi $6.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
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Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $25
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Dalian 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 dayDalian $27Koh Phi Phi $11
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.64
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Sit Down Lunch$9.27
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Casual Lunch$5.73
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Coconut Donut$0.27
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
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Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.78Koh Phi Phi $45
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $159
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $160
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi: $97
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $107
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Maya Bay Sunset and Plankton Swimming Tour: $69
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.31Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$14
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Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian than you might in Koh Phi Phi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dalian Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Koh Phi Phi?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 2040 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Dalian or Koh Phi Phi?
Dalian has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Dalian or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Dalian is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDalian 24°C (75°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
Dalian is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDalian 15°C (58°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDalian -4°C (25°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
In April, Dalian is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDalian 11°C (51°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Dalian
| Dalian | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.