Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hangzhou or Koh Tao?
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 Tao. 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 Tao?
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 Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Koh Tao $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $37. 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 Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Koh Tao $14
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Koh Tao $28
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Koh Tao? 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 Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.11Koh Tao $8.67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
-
Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $207
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
-
Motorbike Rental$5.18
-
Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$18
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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
-
Food Meals for one dayHangzhou $18Koh Tao $9.21
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
-
Breakfast Pastries$2.35
-
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
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Typical Food Prices in Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
-
Sit Down Lunch (for One)$5.46
-
Breakfast$4.09
-
Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.27
-
Fancy Dinner (for Two)$13
-
Pancake$1.91
-
American Breakfast (for Two)$7.64
-
Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$7.36
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Koh Tao $26
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental (One Hour)$6.82
-
Snorkel Rental$2.73
-
Kayak and Snorkel (2)$2.73
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $22
- Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $22
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $23
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $24
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $28
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $33
- Koh Tao Viewpoint and Snorkeling Tour: $55
- Basic Diver ( One Day Experience): $124
- Koh Tao Cliff Jumping Snorkeling Experience: $135
- Koh Tao Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour (Private) : $175
- Advanced Adventurer - 2 days ( Advanced Open Water): $277
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Koh Tao $7.14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
-
Beer$1.77
-
Bottle of Wine$10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Koh Tao, we can see that Hangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Tao.
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 Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Koh Tao?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 1360 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Koh Tao, 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 Tao?
Hangzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Hangzhou or Koh Tao in the Summer?
Both Koh Tao and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Koh Tao. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Koh Tao. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Hangzhou is cooler than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).
Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Koh Tao in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Koh Tao. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. In January, Hangzhou is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Hangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Koh Tao in the Spring?
Both Koh Tao and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Hangzhou is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.