Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo or Penang?
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 Penang or Yangshuo?
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 Penang and Yangshuo. 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: Penang or Yangshuo?
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesYangshuo Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Yangshuo $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $86. 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 Penang and Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Yangshuo $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Yangshuo $52
Compare Hotels in Penang and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Yangshuo? 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: Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Yangshuo $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.43
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Island Ferry$0.57
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $207
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
- From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo and Penang 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 dayPenang $64Yangshuo $33
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.90
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
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Lassy Juice$1.66
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Dinner for 2$3.57
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Street Stall Food$0.67
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Yangshuo $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.37
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.38
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- George Town Highlights & Upside Down Museum tours (5 Hours): $67
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $147
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $93
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $60
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $68
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $154
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking : $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Ticket of Impression Sanjie Liu Show: $62
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Yangshuo $34
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Yangshuo, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Yangshuo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Yangshuo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Yangshuo, 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 Penang or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Penang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Penang or Yangshuo in the Summer?
Both Yangshuo and Penang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Penang is generally cooler than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Yangshuo. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Penang or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang is a little warmer than Yangshuo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Yangshuo. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Penang or Yangshuo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Yangshuo. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 10°C (49°F).
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Yangshuo. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Penang or Yangshuo in the Spring?
Both Yangshuo and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In April, Penang is generally a little warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Penang
| Penang | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.