A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hefei vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hefei or Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Hefei or Koh Pha Ngan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Hefei or Koh Pha Ngan?

Hefei

While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Hefei?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hefei is $62, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45. 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 Hefei and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hefei $28
    Koh Pha Ngan $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hefei $56
    Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Hefei and Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for a hotel in Hefei 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.

Hotels in Hefei


Hotels in Koh Pha Ngan


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hefei $17
    Koh Pha Ngan $13

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $8.18
  • Ferry Ride
    $14
  • Gas for Scooter
    $3.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Hefei or Koh Pha Ngan?

Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Hefei 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 day
    Hefei $21
    Koh Pha Ngan $10

Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:


  • Noodle Lunch (for One)
    $1.09
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $11
  • Smoothies (for Two)
    $1.09
  • Ice Cream
    $0.55
  • Juice
    $1.64
  • 3 Spring Rolls
    $0.82
  • 2 Pancakes
    $1.64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hefei $19
    Koh Pha Ngan $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hefei $11
    Koh Pha Ngan $9.89

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)
    $7.09


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hefei and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Hefei 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 Hefei would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hefei 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 Hefei Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hefei or Koh Pha Ngan?

Hefei has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Hefei 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 Hefei or Koh Pha Ngan?

Hefei 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 Hefei or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Hefei 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, Hefei is generally a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 29°C (83°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 Hefei. In July, Hefei usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hefei 29°C (83°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Hefei during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

Hefei is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 18°C (64°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. Hefei usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hefei 18°C (64°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Hefei can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hefei is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hefei in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In January, Hefei usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hefei 3°C (38°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

In April, Hefei is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 16°C (61°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Hefei usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hefei 16°C (61°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Hefei

Hefei Koh Pha Ngan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 25°C (78°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 25 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)