A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Longsheng vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Longsheng or Koh Pha Ngan?

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 Longsheng and Koh Pha Ngan. 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: Longsheng or Koh Pha Ngan?

Longsheng

A county of the city, Guilin, Longsheng is a hub of several ethnic cultures that thrive on farming and tourism. It is located about 50 or so miles north of the Guilin city center. The region is perhaps most known for the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township. These, along with many other natural features like hot springs, waterfalls, and meadows are a few of the main attractions that draw visitors to Longsheng.

Koh Pha Ngan

Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Longsheng?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Longsheng is $78, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45. 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 Longsheng and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Longsheng $20
    Koh Pha Ngan $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Longsheng $40
    Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Longsheng and Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for a hotel in Longsheng or Koh Pha Ngan? 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 Longsheng


Hotels in Koh Pha Ngan


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 Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Longsheng $41
    Koh Pha Ngan $13

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $8.18
  • Ferry Ride
    $14
  • Gas for Scooter
    $3.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Longsheng or Koh Pha Ngan?

Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Longsheng 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
    Longsheng $35
    Koh Pha Ngan $10

Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:


  • Noodle Lunch (for One)
    $1.09
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $11
  • Smoothies (for Two)
    $1.09
  • Ice Cream
    $0.55
  • Juice
    $1.64
  • 3 Spring Rolls
    $0.82
  • 2 Pancakes
    $1.64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Longsheng $8.38
    Koh Pha Ngan $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Longsheng $7.89
    Koh Pha Ngan $9.89

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)
    $7.09


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

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



When is the best time to visit Longsheng or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Should I visit Longsheng or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Longsheng as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

In July, Longsheng is generally a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Longsheng average around 30°C (86°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Longsheng receives a lot of rain in the summer. Longsheng usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Longsheng gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Longsheng 30°C (86°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Longsheng or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Longsheng are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Longsheng is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Longsheng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In October, Longsheng usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Longsheng gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Longsheng 23°C (73°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Longsheng or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Longsheng during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

In the winter, Longsheng is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Longsheng in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Longsheng usually gets more rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Longsheng gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Longsheng 10°C (49°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Longsheng or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Longsheng and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Longsheng is generally cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Longsheng average around 20°C (68°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Longsheng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Longsheng usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Longsheng gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Longsheng 20°C (68°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Longsheng

Longsheng Koh Pha Ngan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)