Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Guilin or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Koh Phi Phi?
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 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Guilin Prices
China PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $84Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $35Koh Phi Phi $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $70Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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.Guilin $5.85Koh Phi Phi $7.93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
- Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
- Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
- Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
- 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83
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)$17
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Longboat Taxi$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $39Koh Phi Phi $23
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$1.40
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
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
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$1.88
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Sit Down Lunch$11
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Casual Lunch$6.59
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Coconut Donut$0.31
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
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Sit Down Dinner$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28Koh Phi Phi $52
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:
- 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
- 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
- 1 Day Guilin Sanjiang Tour to Dong Villages: $169
- 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
- 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure: $72
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
- 1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking: $198
- 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
- 1 Day Relaxing Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Private Tour: $205
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$9.42
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
- Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.81Koh Phi Phi $6.51
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$16
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Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When comparing the travel costs between Guilin and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Guilin Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Koh Phi Phi?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 650 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Guilin 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 Guilin or Koh Phi Phi?
Guilin 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 Guilin or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Guilin during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
In the summer, Guilin is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Guilin is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Guilin is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the spring 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 the spring, Guilin is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Guilin
| Guilin | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.