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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Zhengzhou?

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 Zhengzhou. 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 Zhengzhou?

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.

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.


Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou 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.

  • Koh Tarutao Prices
    Thailand Prices
    Zhengzhou Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Koh Tarutao $134
    Zhengzhou $69

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Tarutao is $134, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $69. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Tarutao $56
    Zhengzhou $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Tarutao $112
    Zhengzhou $44
Compare Hotels in Koh Tarutao and Zhengzhou

Looking for a hotel in Koh Tarutao or Zhengzhou? 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 Zhengzhou


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 $38
    Zhengzhou $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service!: $27
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes: $98
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
  • Zhengzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $55
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Tarutao or Zhengzhou?

Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $55
    Zhengzhou $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

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

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $16
    Zhengzhou $5.30

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $264
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $236
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
  • All-Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour: $251
  • Beijing: Shaolin Temple Day Tour by Round Trip Bullet Train: $398
  • Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
  • Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
  • Half Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Entry Tickets: $159
  • Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
  • Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
  • Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Tarutao $7.89
    Zhengzhou $4.26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Zhengzhou, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou.

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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.



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

Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?

Both Zhengzhou 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 the summer, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Zhengzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).

Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?

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

In October, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 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) 
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Zhengzhou in the Winter?

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

The weather in Zhengzhou can be very cold. Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in January than Zhengzhou. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (80°F) 
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Zhengzhou in the Spring?

Both Zhengzhou 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 the spring, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 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) 
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao Zhengzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)


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