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

Should you visit Mumbai or Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Koh Pha Ngan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Mumbai or Koh Pha Ngan?

Mumbai

Mumbai is the largest city in India and the capital of Maharashtra state. It is still occasionally referred to as Bombay, but most people know it now as Mumbai. It's the commercial capital of the country and is a major port city. It's also famous for Bollywood, which is the movie capital of the country and famous for it's music filled Bollywood flicks that have become popular around the world. Mumbai is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in India and has some of the most liberal views of an otherwise conservative country. Many immigrants and expats live in Mumbai and it's easy to see the blend of cultures.

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 The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Mumbai?

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 Mumbai is $76, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $58. 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 Mumbai and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mumbai $29
    Koh Pha Ngan $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mumbai $58
    Koh Pha Ngan $52
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for a hotel in Mumbai 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 Mumbai


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: Mumbai Hotel Prices and Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mumbai $6.44
    Koh Pha Ngan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $64
  • Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $110
  • Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $99
  • Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $64
  • Mumbai - private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $39
  • Mumbai - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $39
  • Mumbai After Dark: Private Night Tour with AC Transfers: $25
  • Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $75
  • Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $51
  • Mumbai Airport BOM Private Transfer to Mumbai City Central/Hotels: $24
  • Mumbai Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

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


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.01
  • Ferry Ride
    $15
  • Gas for Scooter
    $3.30

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

Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Mumbai 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
    Mumbai $38
    Koh Pha Ngan $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai

For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mumbai Food Tour — 178 Years of Bombay on a Plate: $14
  • Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
  • Mumbai Food Tour: $20
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour: Taste the City's Best Local Flavors: $25
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
  • Lights, Flavour, Action- A Story-Driven Food Tour: $31
  • Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
  • Mumbai Authentic Street Food Tour: $41
  • Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai in a Local Home: $49
  • Private Authentic Bengali Cooking Class & Market Tour in Mumbai: $52

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)
    $1.20
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Smoothies (for Two)
    $1.20
  • Ice Cream
    $0.60
  • Juice
    $1.80
  • 3 Spring Rolls
    $0.90
  • 2 Pancakes
    $1.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mumbai $2.33
    Koh Pha Ngan $18

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.

  • Dharavi Slum tour in Mumbai by local resident: $4.30
  • Private Mumbai City Tour + Dharavi Slum Slumdog Millionaire Tour: $4.30
  • Mumbai Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
  • Mumbai Malabar Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour on HopOn India App – From Gateway to Fountain, Mumbai: $5.32
  • Elephanta Caves Audio Guided Walking Tour, Mumbai on HopOn India App: $5.34
  • Audio Guided Tour – Mumbai Cricket Walk by HopOn India: $5.34
  • Mumbai's Historical Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $5.64
  • Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
  • Dharavi Slum Tour in Untold Stories with Local Guide: $6.44
  • Best Slum Tour Dharavi Small Group with a Local: $6.98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mumbai $3.24
    Koh Pha Ngan $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:

  • Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
  • South Bombay Pub Crawl: $34

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)
    $7.81


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Mumbai 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 Mumbai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mumbai 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 Mumbai Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Koh Pha Ngan?

Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 1070 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Koh Pha Ngan, 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.


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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Mumbai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mumbai usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Mumbai is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mumbai 28°C (82°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

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

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

The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In October, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Mumbai is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mumbai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)

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

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Mumbai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan. Mumbai usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Mumbai is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mumbai 24°C (75°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)

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

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

In April, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Mumbai is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Mumbai

Mumbai Koh Pha Ngan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 560 mm (22 in) 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 640 mm (25.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 520 mm (20.5 in) 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)