Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hangzhou and Koh Pha Ngan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Hangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesKoh Pha Ngan Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Koh Pha Ngan $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $61. 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 Hangzhou and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Koh Pha Ngan $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Koh Pha Ngan $54
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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.Hangzhou $8.24Koh Pha Ngan $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
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$9.42
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Ferry Ride$16
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Gas for Scooter$3.45
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Hangzhou 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 dayHangzhou $31Koh Pha Ngan $20
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.38
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
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)$1.26
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.26
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Ice Cream$0.63
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Juice$1.88
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3 Spring Rolls$0.94
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2 Pancakes$1.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Koh Pha Ngan $19
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Koh 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)$8.16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Hangzhou 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.
In July, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 29°C (85°F), 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 Hangzhou. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 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 JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Hangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
Hangzhou is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 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 OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hangzhou is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hangzhou in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 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 JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
In April, Hangzhou is generally cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 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 AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 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.