Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou and Koh Pha Ngan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $89Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $89, 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 Guangzhou and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $57Koh Pha Ngan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $114Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou 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.Guangzhou $14Koh Pha Ngan $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to central Guangzhou: $86
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $86
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
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$8.18
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Ferry Ride$14
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Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Guangzhou 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 dayGuangzhou $19Koh Pha Ngan $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
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)$1.09
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
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Ice Cream$0.55
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Juice$1.64
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3 Spring Rolls$0.82
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2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Koh Pha Ngan $17
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
- Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
- Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Koh 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:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.09
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Guangzhou 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.
Guangzhou is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 29°C (84°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 Guangzhou. In July, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Guangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
In the autumn, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guangzhou in October average around 25°C (76°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. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Guangzhou is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 14°C (58°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.