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

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Railay Beach?

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.

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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach 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 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 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 Railay Beach Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Railay Beach?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Railay Beach in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Railay Beach is August to October.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

Both Railay Beach and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.

In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally cooler than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 19°C (65°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Railay Beach. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Railay Beach in the Winter?

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

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold during winter. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much colder than Railay Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Railay Beach. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season.

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Railay Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Railay Beach. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.

In the spring, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in April than Railay Beach. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)