Which place is cheaper, Penang or Koh Chang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Chang or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Penang, 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 Penang?
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.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Chang $48Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Chang is $48, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Chang $24Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Chang $48Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Koh Chang and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Koh Chang or Penang? 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 $13Penang $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Chang
Also for Koh Chang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Trat/ Koh Chang: $117
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Koh Chang to Bangkok Airport: $117
- Private Transfer from Koh Chang to Bangkok Airport or Don Muang Airport: $199
- Private Transfer from Trat to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $215
- Private Transfer from Trat to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $209
- Trat Airport: Shared Transfers to/from Koh Chang with Ferry: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $115
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $38
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $165
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Chang or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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 $17Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Chang $5.46Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Koh Chang
For Koh Chang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Kayak Experience in Bang Bao Bay with Lunch: $22
- Full-Day Koh Chang Tour with Lunch : $54
- Bubblemaker, experience dive for kids from 8 to 10 years old (Koh Chang): $84
- PADI Discover Scuba Dive Experience: $153
- 1-Day Adventure in Diving in Koh Chang: $283
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $60
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $150
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.37
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $50
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
- Entopia Butterfly Farm And Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Chang $4.68Penang $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Chang and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Koh Chang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Chang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Chang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Koh Chang.
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 Penang Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Koh Chang or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang and Koh Chang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in July than Penang. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Chang often gets less sunshine than Penang. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
In July, Koh Chang is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Chang 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Chang or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Penang. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Chang 27°C (81°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Chang or Penang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Penang. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Chang in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Chang 26°C (79°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Chang or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Koh Chang is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In April, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Penang. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Penang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Penang during spring. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Koh Chang is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 29°C (84°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Chang 29°C (84°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Koh Chang
| Koh Chang | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 513 mm (20.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 440 mm (17.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 514 mm (20.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 476 mm (18.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.