Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie or Koh Lanta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Lanta or Zhangjiajie?
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 Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie?
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.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Lanta $48Zhangjiajie $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lanta is $48, while the average daily cost in Zhangjiajie is $63. 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 Zhangjiajie in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Lanta $24Zhangjiajie $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Lanta $48Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Zhangjiajie
Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta or Zhangjiajie? 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 $5.66Zhangjiajie $14
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$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Lanta
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Lanta:
- Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer: $171
- Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel: $111
- Pravate Transfer Lanta Island to Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Ao nang: $74
- One-Way Transfer from Koh Lanta to Krabi Town or Airport by Minivan: $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie Train Station to Fenghuang hotel: $149
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Zhangjiajie Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Zhangjiajie?
Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie 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 $11Zhangjiajie $20
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$4.36
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Casual Lunch$7.36
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Casual Dinner$12
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Lanta
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Koh Lanta.
- Cooking Experience at Lanta Thai Cookery School From Koh Lanta: $48
- Sukho Cuisine Thai Cooking School From Koh Lanta: $52
- Cooking Class and Market Tour at Lanta Thai Cookery School on Koh Lanta: $53
- Cooking Class & Market Tour with Thai Master Chef at Sukho Cuisine, Lanta: $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Full-Day Private Discovery Tour to Tianmen Mountain National Park with Dinner: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Lanta $31Zhangjiajie $23
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$19
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Yoga Session (1 Hour)$9.55
Tours and Activities in Koh Lanta
Here are a few actual costs in Koh Lanta for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 Island Tour to Emerald Cave by Longtail Boat from Koh Lanta: $28
- 4 Islands Day Tour By Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
- Full Day Sea Cave and Mangrove Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $52
- Half Day 2 Caves Ko Skull Tour Ko Lanta and Kayaking Ko Talabeng: $25
- Half Day Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $29
- Koh Ha Koh Rok Day Tour by Opal Travel Speed boat: $47
- Koh Ngai, Koh Muk + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour by Classic Longtail Boat: $32
- Koh Phi Phi Day Tour by Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
- Lanta 4 Islands + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour: $26
- Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat): $26
- Lanta Mangrove Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking at Koh Talabeng: $30
- Lanta Old Town and Mangrove Forest Sightseeing Tour: $40
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge Ticket: $57
- Tianmen Mountain day tour: $96
- Full-Day Private Tour of Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) National Forest Park: $115
- Full-Day Private Tour of Tianmen Mountain: $122
- 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
- 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake Private Day Tour: $147
- Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountain Glass Bridge day tour: $150
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain and Glass Skywalk Tour: $154
- Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Private All-inclusive Day Tour: $155
- Glass Bridge,Zhangjiajie park Avatar Mountain day tour: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Lanta $3.79Zhangjiajie $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta and Zhangjiajie, 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.
When is the best time to visit Koh Lanta or Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Lanta experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Zhangjiajie in the Summer?
Both Zhangjiajie and Koh Lanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Zhangjiajie in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Zhangjiajie. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Lanta 27°C (81°F)Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Zhangjiajie. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round.
In the autumn, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 19°C (65°F).
Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Zhangjiajie. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Lanta 27°C (81°F)Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Zhangjiajie. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Koh Lanta is generally much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Zhangjiajie. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Lanta 27°C (80°F)Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?
Both Zhangjiajie and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year.
Koh Lanta is much warmer than Zhangjiajie in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Lanta 29°C (85°F)Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Koh Lanta
| Koh Lanta | Zhangjiajie | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 355 mm (14 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.