Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nanjing or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Koh Pha Ngan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Nanjing or Koh Pha Ngan?
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Nanjing Prices
China PricesKoh Pha Ngan Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Koh Pha Ngan $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $61. 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 Nanjing and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Koh Pha Ngan $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Koh Pha Ngan $54
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Koh Pha Ngan $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $47
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing to Hangzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $52
- Nanjing to Shanghai Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$9.42
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Ferry Ride$16
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Gas for Scooter$3.45
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Nanjing 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
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Food Meals for one dayNanjing $49Koh Pha Ngan $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.26
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.26
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Ice Cream$0.63
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Juice$1.88
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3 Spring Rolls$0.94
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2 Pancakes$1.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Koh Pha Ngan $19
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Koh Pha Ngan $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$8.16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Koh Pha Ngan?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing 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 Nanjing or Koh Pha Ngan?
Nanjing 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 Nanjing or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 28°C (83°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Nanjing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
Nanjing is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nanjing is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nanjing in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
In April, Nanjing is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 15°C (60°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.