Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Phuket or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
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 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $105Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $105, while the average daily cost in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $56Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $112Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $11Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $9.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
-
Longtail Taxi (for Two)$8.18
-
Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$6.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket Airport Bus Transfer from/to Karon Beach: $5.35
- From Phuket or Pa Tong: Transfer to Gun Shooting Range: $6.76
- Airport Transfer To / From Hotel & Free Wifi: $10
- Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $12
- Phuket Airport Transfer (SHA Plus) : $13
- One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $14
- Airport Transfer To / From Hotel & Free Wifi: $15
- Phuket International and Domestic Airport - Arrival Transfer : $15
- Phuket International and Domestic Airport - Departure Transfer : $15
- Phuket International Airport (HKT): Transfer to/from Phuket: $16
- Phuket Shared Arrival Transfer: $17
- Private Phuket Departure Transfer - Hotel to Phuket Airport : $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
-
Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.59
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPhuket $22Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
-
Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.88
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.64
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
-
Thai Noodles$2.45
-
Bananas$0.68
-
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $42Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
One Day Boat Tour$25
-
Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$68
-
Thai Oil Massage$17
-
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
-
Two Entrance Tickets$63
-
Two Cable Car Passes$22
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $6.35Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
-
Cocktails (for Two)$5.46
-
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Phuket or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
In the summer, Phuket is around the same temperature as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 29°C (85°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
The weather in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold. Phuket is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Phuket is December to March.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Phuket during the spring 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 spring, Phuket is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 17°C (62°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets less rain in April than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Phuket
| Phuket | Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.