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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Xi'an?

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 Xi'an. 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 Xi'an?

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.

Xi'an

Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Koh Tarutao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Tarutao is $98, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $94. 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 Xi'an in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Tarutao $50
    Xi'an $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Tarutao $100
    Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Koh Tarutao and Xi'an

Looking for a hotel in Koh Tarutao or Xi'an? 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 Xian


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 $34
    Xi'an $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Departure Transfer: $40
  • Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
  • Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $224
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
  • Xian Private Day Tour with Airport Transfer: Terracotta Warriors and City Wall: $186
  • Xian City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda Tour With Airport Transfer: $176
  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Private Round-Trip Transfer from City Area : $69
  • Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
  • Xi’an Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Tarutao or Xi'an?

Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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 $28
    Xi'an $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.

  • Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
  • Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
  • Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
  • Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $65
  • Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
  • Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
  • Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
  • 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
  • Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
  • Authentic Muslim Alley Food Tour in Xi'an: $75
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Dinner with Hotel Transfer: $76
  • Tang Dynasty Dance Show and Dumpling Dinner: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $14
    Xi'an $35

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

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

  • Private Half Day Tour to See The Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall:: $185
  • #1 Bestselling Private Terracotta Army Tours + Customized Xian Tours: $109
  • 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
  • 1 day private tour to Xi'an Terra Cotta Warriors by Metro/Subway: $110
  • 1-Day Private Tour: Mount Huashan With the Lunch from Xi'an: $190
  • 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
  • 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors,Wild Goose Pagoda and Banpo Village Museum Tour: $100
  • 1-Day Xi'an Tour with Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum and City Wall : $100
  • 1-Day Xi'an Tour with the Terracotta Warriors, Cave Dwelling and City Wall : $236
  • 2 Days Classic Xian Group Tour: $234
  • 2 Days Xi'an Terracotta Warriors and City Highlights Tour: $195
  • 2 Days Xian Flexible Tour Including Hotel to Explore Xian Your Own Way: $256

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Tarutao $7.01
    Xi'an $7.24


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Xi'an, we can see that Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.