Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Phuket?
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 Phuket or Guangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Guangzhou, 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: Phuket or Guangzhou?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesGuangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $136Guangzhou $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $136, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $110. 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 Phuket and Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $63Guangzhou $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $126Guangzhou $122
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Guangzhou? 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: Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Guangzhou $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.21
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $17
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer: $158
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $132
- Airport Transfer BKK - DMK - UTP - HKT - USM - KBV: $69
- Airport Transfer: Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket by Business Car: $117
- Airport Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $117
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Ticket Include Transfers: $76
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $113
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $129
- Arrival Transfer Phuket Airport HKT to Talang, Kathu, Muang: $43
- Arrival Transfer: Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket by Business Car: $117
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- 1-Day Round-Trip Private Transfer to Gulong Gorge | Door-to-Door: $89
- Guangzhou : Private One-Way Transfers to/from Baiyun Airport(CAN): $30
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73
- Guangzhou Airport Arrival Assistance & Private Transfer: $89
- Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 6 seat mpv: $74
- Guangzhou Airport to Railway Station | Private, Seamless Transfer: $37
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Shenzhen private Transfer service.: $100
- Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus Private Transfer Service: $38
- Guangzhou Downtown Hotel - Baiyun Airport OneWay Private Transfer: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $42Guangzhou $36
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$8.87
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.22
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.76
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Bananas$0.77
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Pizza (for Two)$9.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $28
- Phuket City Tour with Sunset and Thai Cooking: $49
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $53
- Phuket City Tour with Phothong Ride and Cooking Class: $54
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $56
- Simply Thai Cooking Experience: $57
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Private Cantonese Cooking Consultation and Custom Menu Planning: $19
- Guangzhou Local Life Street Food Tour Hidden Spots and Markets: $39
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
- Guangzhou Night Walking and Food Tour: Led by Local Cantonese: $82
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour: $94
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner: $110
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $140
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $48Guangzhou $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$77
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.21
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.85
- Phuket Tour with Wat Chalong, Karon View Point, Old Town: $15
- Feed Me Banana Elephant Experience Short Activity: $16
- Phuket Circus : The Adrenaline Rush Show Tickets (Aqua Circus): $17
- Ultimate Virtual Reality Gaming Park Ticket at VAR Live in Phuket: $18
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $19
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $19
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $20
- VAR Live Phuket Virtual Reality Action and Adventure Games Ticket: $21
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $21
- Enjoy Comfortable Ferry Experience from Phuket to Phi Phi: $24
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou：New Cultural Landmark Ticket -Explore Tang Style: $2.56
- 2,000-Year-Old Wonder-Nanyue King’s Tomb Ticket: $3.18
- Cantonese Heritage Tour with Key Cultural Stops: $6.72
- Guangzhou Tour Guide and Car Service With Flexible Itinerary: $8.00
- Self-Driving Robotaxi Experience with Guide: $16
- Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
- Grandview Museum of Nature Science Ticket: $25
- Guangzhou Private Tour of Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise: $29
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
- Chen Clan Academy In-Depth 2-Hour Guided Tour: $31
- Private Customizable City Tour with a Local: $35
- Original Martial Arts Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.15Guangzhou $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.14
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Beer$2.61
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Rooftop, Bars, GoGo & 3 Clubs with Shots: $19
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $29
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $53
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $88
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $135
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Guangzhou, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket than you might in Guangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Guangzhou, 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 Phuket or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Phuket or Guangzhou in the Summer?
Both Guangzhou and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
In July, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Guangzhou. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou during summer. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou and Phuket during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Phuket is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
In the autumn, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Guangzhou. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Guangzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
In the winter, Phuket is much warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Phuket is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Guangzhou. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the spring, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Phuket
| Phuket | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.