Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Harbin 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 Harbin and Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Koh Phi Phi?
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
-
Harbin Prices
China PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $66Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $66, 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 Harbin and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Koh Phi Phi $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Harbin 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Harbin $1.52Koh Phi Phi $7.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
-
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:
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Harbin 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 dayHarbin $24Koh Phi Phi $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.88
-
Sit Down Lunch$11
-
Casual Lunch$6.59
-
Coconut Donut$0.31
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $53Koh Phi Phi $52
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Igloos Hot Pot Private Tour: $300
- Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice Festival: $261
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Half-Day Private Old Harbin Street Walking Tour with Meal: $300
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
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.
- Activities In & Around Phuket: Full Day Customizable Tour : $110
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $184
- Banana Beach Premium: Shared Tour: $137
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $65
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Half Day Rainforest and Waterfall Tour in Thailand: $99
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $110
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Maya Bay Sleep aboard Tour From Phi Phi: $143
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $31
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.96Koh Phi Phi $6.51
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
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:
-
Mojito Bucket$16
-
Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Harbin Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Koh Phi Phi?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 3230 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Harbin 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 Harbin or Koh Phi Phi?
Harbin 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 Harbin or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Harbin is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Harbin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Harbin usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHarbin 24°C (75°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
In the autumn, Harbin is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Harbin in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Harbin usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHarbin 7°C (44°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Harbin in the winter. In January, Harbin is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around -18°C (-0°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In January, Harbin usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Harbin during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
Harbin is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Harbin usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHarbin 8°C (46°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Harbin
| Harbin | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.