A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) vs. Koh Phi Phi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Phi Phi. 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: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koh Phi Phi?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.

Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.

The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.

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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Prices
    China Prices
    Koh Phi Phi Prices
    Thailand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $72
    Koh Phi Phi $95

The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $72, 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
    Koh Phi Phi $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
    Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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.

Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)


Hotels in Koh Phi Phi


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.
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10
    Koh Phi Phi $7.93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):


  • Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two
    $3.64

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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $33
    Koh Phi Phi $23

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.
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
    Koh Phi Phi $52
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $64
  • Two Cable Car Passes
    $22

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.

  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
  • Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
  • Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
  • Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
  • Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
  • Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
  • Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $16
    Koh Phi Phi $6.51

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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koh Phi Phi?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 17°C (62°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Koh Phi Phi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)