Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guilin or Railay Beach?
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 Railay Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Railay Beach?
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.
Railay Beach
If you're looking to scale great heights and add more achievements to your list during your vacation, consider a trip to the peninsula of Rai Leh, or more commonly Railay Bay or Railay Beach, in the Krabi region of Thailand. This swimming and rock climbing hotspot is known for its towering limestone peaks and gorgeous surrounding scenery.
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 $67Railay Beach $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $67, while the average daily cost in Railay Beach is $104. 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 Railay Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $34Railay Beach $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $68Railay Beach $126
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Railay Beach
Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Railay Beach? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guilin $5.76Railay Beach $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
- Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
- Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
- Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $57
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $57
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $92
- Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Railay Beach?
Prices for flights to both Railay Beach 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 $22Railay Beach $22
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$1.38
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
Typical Food Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
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Pizza$4.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28Railay Beach $23
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 Yangshuo & Longji Rice Terrace 4 days tour: $21
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $45
- 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
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $59
- Private Bike Tour: Yangshuo Countryside: $72
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $72
- Yangshuo Old Town and Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
- One Day Private Longshen Rice Terraces Tour Including Lunch: $73
- Half/Full day Yangshuo Cuiping hill Sunset Private Tour: $73
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain Sunrise Private Tour: $77
Typical Entertainment Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Rock Climbing (for Two)$19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.72Railay Beach $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Beer$1.64
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Railay Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Railay Beach than you might in Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guilin Expensive? and Is Railay Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Guilin or Railay Beach?
Guilin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Railay Beach experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Guilin or Railay Beach in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Railay Beach. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guilin is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Railay Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guilin usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Railay Beach in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Railay Beach. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.
In the autumn, Guilin is cooler than Railay Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guilin in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Guilin usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season. August to October in Railay Beach is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Railay Beach 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Railay Beach in the Winter?
Both Railay Beach and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Guilin is generally much colder than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 10°C (49°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In January, Guilin usually receives more rain than Railay Beach. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Railay Beach is December to March.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Railay Beach in the Spring?
Both Railay Beach and Guilin during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.
Guilin is cooler than Railay Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Railay Beach. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Railay Beach 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Guilin
| Guilin | Railay Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.