Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Koh Pha Ngan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hongcun or Koh Pha Ngan?
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, 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 Hongcun and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Koh Pha Ngan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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.Hongcun $12Koh Pha Ngan $13
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$8.18
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Ferry Ride$14
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Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Hongcun 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 dayHongcun $19Koh Pha Ngan $10
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.83
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.07
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)$1.09
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
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Ice Cream$0.55
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Juice$1.64
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3 Spring Rolls$0.82
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2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Koh Pha Ngan $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Koh 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:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.09
When comparing the travel costs between Hongcun and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Hongcun is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Koh Pha Ngan?
Hongcun 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 Hongcun or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Hongcun is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hongcun in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).
Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 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 JulyHongcun 29°C (85°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
In October, Hongcun is generally cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 19°C (65°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. October and November in Koh Pha Ngan is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHongcun 19°C (65°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The weather in Hongcun can be very cold. Hongcun is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the winter. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHongcun 4°C (40°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Hongcun during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
In the spring, Hongcun is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hongcun in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 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 AprilHongcun 17°C (62°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.