Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hangzhou or Railay Beach?
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 Railay Beach. 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 Railay Beach?
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.
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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Railay Beach $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Railay Beach is $105. 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 Railay Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Railay Beach $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Railay Beach $126
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Railay Beach
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.11Railay Beach $25
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:
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Hangzhou downtown city one way private transfer: $35
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Safari Park and City Hotels: $37
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from City hotels: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Railay Beach?
Prices for flights to both Railay Beach 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 $18Railay Beach $22
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 Railay Beach
Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
-
Pizza$4.64
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Railay Beach $23
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
- Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
- Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- Genuine West Lake and Tea Experience with Locals: $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:
-
Rock Climbing (for Two)$19
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Railay Beach $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:
-
Beer$1.64
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Railay Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hangzhou or Railay Beach?
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou or Railay Beach in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Railay Beach. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 29°C (85°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Railay Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 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.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Railay Beach in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Railay Beach. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.
Hangzhou is cooler than Railay Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Railay Beach 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Railay Beach in the Winter?
Both Railay Beach and Hangzhou 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.
Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hangzhou is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hangzhou in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Railay Beach. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 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.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Railay Beach in the Spring?
Both Railay Beach and Hangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.
In April, Hangzhou is generally much colder than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 16°C (61°F), 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 Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Railay Beach. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Railay Beach 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Railay Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 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.