A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Nanjing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Nanjing?

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 Koh Tarutao and Nanjing. 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: Koh Tarutao or Nanjing?

Koh Tarutao

While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much more.

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Koh Tarutao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Tarutao is $137, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Tarutao and Nanjing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Tarutao $57
    Nanjing $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Tarutao $114
    Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Koh Tarutao and Nanjing

Looking for a hotel in Koh Tarutao or Nanjing? 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.

Hotels in Koh Tarutao


Hotels in Nanjing


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $39
    Nanjing $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78
  • Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Private Transfer between Nanjing Jinniuhu Wild Animal Park and City Hotels: $62
  • Private Transfer Between Tangshan Hot Spring Resort and Nanjing Lukou Airport: $49
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Tarutao or Nanjing?

Prices for flights to both Nanjing and Koh Tarutao 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Tarutao $56
    Nanjing $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $17
    Nanjing $9.41

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum : $124
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
  • All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $160
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $168
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
  • Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
  • Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $206

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Tarutao $8.08
    Nanjing $9.61


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Nanjing, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Nanjing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nanjing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanjing 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 Koh Tarutao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tarutao than you might in Nanjing.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Nanjing Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Nanjing?

Nanjing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tarutao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nanjing in the Summer?

Both Nanjing and Koh Tarutao during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in July than Nanjing. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nanjing in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Nanjing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nanjing in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Nanjing. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Nanjing can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Nanjing averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in January than Nanjing. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (80°F) 
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Nanjing in the Spring?

Both Nanjing and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Tarutao 29°C (85°F) 
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nanjing and Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao Nanjing
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in)