Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 tourist mecca 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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $105Guangzhou $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $105, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 $56Guangzhou $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $112Guangzhou $114
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 $11Guangzhou $14
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)$8.18
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$6.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $70
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $139
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $116
- Airport Private Departure Transfers from Phuket: $45
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $37
- Arrival Transfer Phuket Airport HKT to Talang, Kathu or Muang: $21
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport: $37
- Departure Private Transfers from Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT: $93
- Departure Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport (Private): $17
- Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms With Lunch & Transfer RoundTrips: $108
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $149
- From Krabi: Phuket Transfer with Phi Phi Longtail Boat Tour: $362
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to central Guangzhou: $86
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $86
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
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 $22Guangzhou $19
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)$7.88
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.64
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
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Thai Noodles$2.45
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Bananas$0.68
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Pizza (for Two)$8.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $36
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $43
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $43
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
- Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $52
- Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $53
- Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
- Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $42Guangzhou $18
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$25
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$68
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Thai Oil Massage$17
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Surfboard Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Phuket Botanic Garden Admission Ticket: $3.01
- The Selfie Experience Phuket Admission Ticket: $4.14
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Phuket to Phi Phi Tonsai Ferry by Royal Jet Cruiser with Pickup Service: $13
- Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Trickeye Museum Day Admission Ticket: $15
- Baan Teelanka Upside Down House Entry Ticket: $16
- Original Discovery Tour: $17
- Old Phuket Farm Ticket - Countryside Local Life Culture: $18
- Child Ticket age 6 - 12 years old (Tourist): $18
- Simon Cabaret Show Phuket (Ticket Only): $20
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
- Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
- Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $6.35Guangzhou $14
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)$5.46
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Beer$2.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
- Pub Crawl Tour: $25
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $77
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213
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.