Which place is cheaper, Jinghong or Koh Lanta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Koh Lanta or Jinghong?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Koh Lanta and Jinghong 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: Koh Lanta or Jinghong?
Koh Lanta
Located on the southern coast of Thailand is a place populated by long beaches and diving hotspots. Consisting of several islands, Koh Lanta is a large island with nine beaches along the coast. The beautiful scenery makes this a quiet and relaxing spot for tourists. The crowds on this island tend to be older than the party-seekers on Ko Phi Phi so you'll find more activities like serene walks on the beach or travelers catching a sunset.
Jinghong
Located in the southernmost part of the Yunnan Province, Jinghong is a city that attracts visitors each year with its rich culture and folklore, Buddhist temples, and tropical rainforest scenery of palms and mango trees amongst others. It is also an area popular with backpackers as well as a waypoint for travelers passing between China and Laos.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa.
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Koh Lanta Prices
Thailand PricesJinghong Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Lanta $64Jinghong $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lanta is $64, while the average daily cost in Jinghong is $83. 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 Lanta and Jinghong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Lanta $28Jinghong $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Lanta $56Jinghong $40
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Jinghong
Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Jinghong? 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 Lanta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Lanta $6.52Jinghong $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Lanta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Lanta:
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Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta$19
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Jinghong?
Prices for flights to both Jinghong and Koh Lanta 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 Lanta $21Jinghong $48
Typical Food Prices in Koh Lanta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:
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Casual Breakfast$5.02
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Casual Lunch$8.48
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Casual Dinner$14
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Lanta $35Jinghong $9.31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Lanta
Here are a few typical costs in Koh Lanta for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Emerald Cave Tour$22
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Yoga Session (1 Hour)$11
Tours and Activities in Jinghong
Here are a few actual costs in Jinghong for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Best of Dai Villages | 20km E-Bike Tour: $41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Lanta $4.36Jinghong $5.41
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Jinghong, we can see that Jinghong is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Lanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lanta 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 Jinghong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jinghong than you might in Koh Lanta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Lanta Expensive? and Is Jinghong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Jinghong?
Jinghong has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Jinghong, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
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.