Which place is cheaper, Guilin 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 Guilin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Guilin, 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 Guilin?
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.
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesGuilin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Guilin $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $84. 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 Guilin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Guilin $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Guilin
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Guilin? 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 $12Guilin $5.85
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)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Hanuman World Phuket Round Trip Transfer Extra Zone: $95
- Lion Land Phuket Entry Ticket with Private Hotel Transfer: $69
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $80
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $11
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $160
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $135
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Ticket Include Transfers: $84
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $116
- Andamanda Water Park Phuket Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $75
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $43
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $131
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer : $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
- Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
- Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $58
- Haikou Meilan Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer, Pick up: $54
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
- One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Guilin?
Prices for flights to both Guilin 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 $43Guilin $39
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)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Guilin $28
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)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $4.75
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $8.05
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $17
- Aquaria Phuket Tickets and 4D Trickeye Museum Combo Deal: $17
- Aquaria Phuket and 4D Trickeye Museum Experience Ticket: $17
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
- Patong Beach Parasailing and Jet Skiing Experience Shared: $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $46
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill : $55
- GUILIN:kayaking adventure with local guide: $60
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $60
- Guilin English tour guide service : $62
- Private Day Tour: Longji Terraces Cultural Villages and Hike : $69
- Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
- Private day tour :Guilin-LiRiver bamboo boat-Yangshuo Highlights : $70
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Guilin $5.81
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)$6.28
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Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Guilin, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Guilin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Guilin?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Guilin, 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 Guilin?
Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?
Both Guilin 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 Guilin. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Guilin. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Guilin 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Guilin in the Autumn?
Both Guilin 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 Guilin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Guilin. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 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)Guilin 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Guilin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
In the winter, Phuket is much warmer than Guilin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Guilin averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Guilin. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 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)Guilin 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Guilin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Guilin. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite rainy in Guilin. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 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)Guilin 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Guilin and Phuket
| Phuket | Guilin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.