A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Longsheng for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Phuket or Longsheng?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Longsheng, 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 Longsheng?

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.

Longsheng

A county of the city, Guilin, Longsheng is a hub of several ethnic cultures that thrive on farming and tourism. It is located about 50 or so miles north of the Guilin city center. The region is perhaps most known for the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township. These, along with many other natural features like hot springs, waterfalls, and meadows are a few of the main attractions that draw visitors to Longsheng.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Longsheng or Phuket?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $105, while the average daily cost in Longsheng 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 Longsheng in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phuket $56
    Longsheng $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phuket $112
    Longsheng $40
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Longsheng

Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Longsheng? 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.

Hotels in Phuket


Hotels in Longsheng


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 $11
    Longsheng $41
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:

  • From Krabi: Phuket Transfer with Phi Phi Longtail Boat Tour: $362
  • From Krabi Transfer with Phi Phi Longtail Boat Tour: $362
  • Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 7 Islands with Pickup and Transfer: $213
  • Phuket any hotel to Koh lanta Private transfer: $165
  • Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $150
  • Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $150
  • ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $139
  • Private Transfer from Phuket to Krabi: $137
  • Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms with Transfer RoundTrips: $136
  • Morning Blue Sky Spa Package with Private Transfer: $125
  • Private Airport Arrival Transfer : Airport to Hotel in Krabi: $117
  • Private Transfer from Phuket to Krabi with 2h of Sightseeing: $113

Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Longsheng?

Prices for flights to both Longsheng 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 day
    Phuket $22
    Longsheng $35
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
  • Thai Cooking Class 2 Hrs ( 4 Dishes Menu): $47
  • 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
  • Twilight Stylish Sky Set Dinner - The SIS Kata Resort : $54
  • Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
  • Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
  • Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phuket $42
    Longsheng $8.38
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:

  • 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
  • Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
  • Amazing Krabi Private 1 day tour from Phuket by VAN: $219
  • Khai Island Half Day Tour by Speedboat from Phuket (SHA Plus): $61
  • Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Tour with Seaview Lunch from Phuket: $68
  • Private Tour: Amazing Phuket Island Tour with Big Buddha : $66
  • Water Rafting 5 km Tour & ATV 1 hour - Real Adventure: $100
  • Whitewater Rafting & ATV Adventure Tour from Phuket including Lunch: $119
  • Zipline Adventure 32 Platforms + Roller + Skywalk: $108
  • 2 Hours Phuket Old Town Street Food Walking Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour ATV Tour from Phuket: $77
  • 2x Snorkelling Phi Phi, Maiton, Maya Bay, khai islands tour: $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phuket $6.35
    Longsheng $7.89
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: $78
  • Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
  • Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $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 Longsheng, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Longsheng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Longsheng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Longsheng 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 Longsheng.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Longsheng Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Phuket or Longsheng?

Longsheng 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 Longsheng in the Summer?

Both Longsheng and Phuket during the summer 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 around the same temperature as Longsheng in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Longsheng fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Longsheng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Longsheng. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Longsheng 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Longsheng in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Longsheng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.

In the autumn, Phuket is a little warmer than Longsheng. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Longsheng averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Longsheng. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Phuket 27°C (81°F) 
    Longsheng 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Longsheng in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Longsheng. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Longsheng. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Longsheng fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Longsheng. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Longsheng 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Longsheng in the Spring?

Both Longsheng and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.

Phuket is a little warmer than Longsheng in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Longsheng fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Longsheng. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives less rain than Longsheng. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Phuket 29°C (84°F) 
    Longsheng 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Longsheng and Phuket

Phuket Longsheng
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)