Which place is cheaper, Harbin 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 Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Harbin, 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesHarbin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Harbin $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $66. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Harbin? 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 $12Harbin $1.52
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:
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NATAI BEACH: $48
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket HTL-APT (HKT): $28
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket APT-HTL (HKT): $28
- Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak Hotel : $79
- TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to PHUKET TOWN (SHA Plus): $35
- TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to LAGUNA Beach Area (SHA Plus): $29
- TAXI AIRPORT TRANSFER to RASSADA PIER: $30
- Speedboat transfer to island service.: $38
- Speedboat Racha and Coral Island Transfer and meals from Phuket: $61
- Skyline Adventure 35 platforms with Meal and Transfer RoundTrip: $98
- Simon Cabaret Show Phuket – Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $59
- Simon Cabaret Show – Phuket’s Glamorous Night Out with Transfers: $67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 $43Harbin $24
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: $54
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Harbin $53
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:
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
- Best of Phi Phi Island Adventure Day Tour with Lunch from Phuket: $50
- Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
- Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
- James Bond Island Adventure Full Day Speedboat/Big Boat Phuket : $63
- Patong Trolley Tours: $55
- Phi Phi Islands Premium Speedboat Adventure Day Tour from Phuket: $67
- Phuket Night Food Walking tour : $106
- Phuket Scenic Horseback Riding Adventure : $70
- Phuket Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation: $172
- Aeolos Catamaran Tour to Coral & Racha Islands + Lunch: $80
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Ice and Snow World Ticket Booking: $51
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Harbin Summer Indoor Ice and Snow World Tour: $136
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
- Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $199
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private Half Day Tour to Unit 731 Museum and Sites in Harbin: $218
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Harbin $7.96
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Harbin, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Harbin, 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 Harbin?
Harbin 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 Harbin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Harbin. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Phuket is a little warmer than Harbin in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Harbin. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Harbin. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
In the autumn, Phuket is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Harbin averages at about 7°C (44°F).
It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Harbin. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Phuket is December to March. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin and Phuket during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Harbin. In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
Phuket usually gets more rain in January than Harbin. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
Phuket is much warmer than Harbin in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Harbin. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Phuket
| Phuket | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.