Which place is cheaper, Hefei 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 Hefei?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Hefei, 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 Hefei?
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.
Hefei
While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.
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 Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesHefei Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Hefei $78
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in Hefei is $78. 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 Hefei in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Hefei $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Hefei $58
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Hefei
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Hefei? 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 $12Hefei $17
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:
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $80
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $133
- Airport Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $118
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $114
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $43
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $130
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer : $42
- Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer : $127
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport: $43
- Departure Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $118
- Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms With Lunch & Transfer RoundTrips: $123
- Freedom Party Boat Cruise By HYPE Boat Club Phuket - Include Pickup Transfer: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Hefei?
Prices for flights to both Hefei 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 $43Hefei $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)$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.
- One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $28
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Phuket Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $55
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $57
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $58
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Phuket City Tour with Phothong Ride and Cooking Class: $59
- Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour: $61
- Choose Your Own Dishes: Half-Day Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Hefei $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)$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:
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.90
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket City Tour with Pickup Option: $15
- Feed Me Banana Elephant Experience Short Activity : $16
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $16
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $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
- Exclusive Jurassic Mini-Golf Ticket at Dino Park Phuket: $23
- Patong Beach Water Sports Adventure from Phuket: $24
- Athena Cabaret Show Admission Ticket in Phuket: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Hefei $11
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
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $111
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Hefei, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Hefei.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Hefei Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Hefei?
Hefei has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Hefei, 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 Hefei?
Hefei 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 Hefei in the Summer?
Both Hefei and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Hefei in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Hefei fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hefei. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Hefei. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Hefei 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Hefei in the Autumn?
Both Hefei 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.
In the autumn, Phuket is much warmer than Hefei. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hefei averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Hefei. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 66 mm (2.6 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)Hefei 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Hefei in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Hefei. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
It's quite cold in Hefei in the winter. In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Hefei. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Phuket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hefei. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 30 mm (1.2 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)Hefei 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Hefei in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Hefei. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Phuket is much warmer than Hefei in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Hefei fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Hefei. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 95 mm (3.7 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)Hefei 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hefei and Phuket
| Phuket | Hefei | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 25 mm (1 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.