Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Lijiang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Lijiang and Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Lijiang is $41, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Lijiang and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Lijiang or Koh Phi Phi? 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.
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Lijiang 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.
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lijiang and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Lijiang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lijiang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lijiang 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 Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi than you might in Lijiang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lijiang Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Lijiang has a larger population, and is about 1140 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Lijiang and Koh Phi Phi, 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.