Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guilin 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 Guilin and Koh Pha Ngan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Koh Pha Ngan?
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical 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 dayGuilin $68Koh Pha Ngan $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $68, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $49. 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 Guilin and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $35Koh Pha Ngan $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $70Koh Pha Ngan $50
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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.Guilin $5.87Koh Pha Ngan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83
- Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
- Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
- Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $59
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $59
- Haikou Meilan Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer, Pick up: $75
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Haikou Airport Transfer: $56
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
- Live Show of Impression Liu San Jie including the Transfer Services: $102
- Private Airport Transfer:Guilin Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport: $35
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$8.89
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Ferry Ride$15
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Gas for Scooter$3.26
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Guilin 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 dayGuilin $23Koh Pha Ngan $11
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
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)$1.19
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.19
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Ice Cream$0.59
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Juice$1.78
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3 Spring Rolls$0.89
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2 Pancakes$1.78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28Koh Pha Ngan $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $51
- One Day Private Longji Rice Terraces with Minority village tour: $52
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- Guilin Classic Li River Day Tour with Xianggong Hill : $55
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $61
- Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
- 1-DAy Private Guilin -Li River Cruise-Yangshuo Highlights tour: $70
- Yangshuo Old Town and 3 star Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
- Private Bike Tour: Yangshuo Countryside: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.83Koh 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)$7.71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Guilin 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 Guilin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guilin 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 Guilin Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Koh Pha Ngan?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Guilin 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 Guilin or Koh Pha Ngan?
Guilin 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 Guilin or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Guilin 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.
Guilin is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 30°C (86°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 Guilin. In July, Guilin usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 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 JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Guilin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
In the autumn, Guilin is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guilin in October average around 23°C (73°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. Guilin usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 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 OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Guilin is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 10°C (49°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In January, Guilin usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Guilin gets 61 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
Guilin is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Guilin receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 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 AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Guilin
| Guilin | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.