Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Koh Chang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Chang or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Harbin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Koh Chang or Harbin?
Koh Chang
Most people pick Thailand for their destination because they're anxious to collapse on a breathtaking beach. If that is you, Ko Chang does not disappoint. As one the country's most beautiful islands, Ko Chang is full of white beaches and incredible wildlife. Beware, though, you're not the only one with Ko Chang in mind. During the high season, the island can become quite crowded with tourists.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Chang $48Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Chang is $48, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Koh Chang and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Chang $24Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Chang $48Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Koh Chang and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Koh Chang or Harbin? 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 Chang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Chang $13Harbin $1.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Chang
Also for Koh Chang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Trat Airport: Shared Transfers to/from Koh Chang with Ferry: $26
- Private Transfer from Trat to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $209
- Private Transfer from Trat to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $216
- Private Transfer from Koh Chang to Bangkok Airport or Don Muang Airport: $199
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Koh Chang to Bangkok Airport: $116
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Trat/ Koh Chang: $116
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Chang or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Koh Chang 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 dayKoh Chang $17Harbin $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Food Tour Including Harbin Beer1900: $157
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Chang $5.46Harbin $52
Tours and Activities in Koh Chang
For Koh Chang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Adventure in Diving in Koh Chang: $281
- Bubblemaker, experience dive for kids from 8 to 10 years old (Koh Chang): $83
- Full-Day Koh Chang Tour with Lunch : $54
- PADI Discover Scuba Dive Experience: $152
- Private Kayak Experience in Bang Bao Bay with Lunch: $22
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
- 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
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Chang $4.68Harbin $7.83
When comparing the travel costs between Koh Chang and Harbin, we can see that Harbin 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 Koh Chang Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Harbin?
Harbin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Chang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Chang or Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year.
In the summer, Koh Chang is a little warmer than Harbin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Harbin. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Harbin. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Chang 28°C (82°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Koh Chang or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Koh Chang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Chang 27°C (81°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Koh Chang or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Harbin. Koh Chang is much warmer than Harbin in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Harbin. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Chang 26°C (79°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Koh Chang or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Harbin. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Koh Chang is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Harbin averages at about 8°C (46°F).
Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Chang 29°C (84°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Koh Chang
| Koh Chang | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 513 mm (20.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 440 mm (17.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 514 mm (20.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 476 mm (18.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.