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

Should you visit Phuket or Nanchang?

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

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

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.

Nanchang

Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang is a city of southern China with a significant history. Landmarks like the Tengwang Pavilion represent the city's distant past, while its nickname - "the city of Heroes" - comes from the 1927 Nanchang Uprising when the Communist Party began. Today the city serves as a center for politics, economy, culture, science, education, commerce, and transportation.

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 from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanchang 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 Nanchang is $58. 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 Nanchang in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Nanchang? 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 Nanchang


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
    Nanchang $11
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: $212
  • Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $149
  • ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $139
  • Private Transfer from Phuket to Krabi: $137
  • Morning Blue Sky Spa Package with Private Transfer: $125
  • Full Day Guided Banana Beach Paradise Trip With Lunch & Hotel Transfers: $123
  • Private Airport Arrival Transfer : Airport to Hotel in Krabi: $117
  • ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $116
  • Private Transfer from Phuket to Krabi with 2h of Sightseeing: $113
  • Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms With Lunch & Transfer RoundTrips: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Nanchang?

Prices for flights to both Nanchang 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
    Nanchang $32
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 $42
    Nanchang $4.56
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: $218
  • James Bond Island Highlights Tour from Phuket with Lunch: $115
  • Khai Island Half Day Tour by Speedboat from Phuket (SHA Plus): $61
  • Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Tour with Seaview Lunch from Phuket: $68
  • Whitewater Rafting & ATV Adventure Tour from Phuket including Lunch: $118
  • 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
  • 4 Waters Eco Adventure: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phuket $6.35
    Nanchang $6.31
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 Nanchang, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Nanchang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nanchang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanchang 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 Nanchang.

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


Which is Bigger, Phuket or Nanchang?

Nanchang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Nanchang, 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 Nanchang?

Nanchang 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 Nanchang in the Summer?

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

In Nanchang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets less sunshine than Nanchang. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 262 hours of full sun.

Nanchang 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 Nanchang. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Phuket or Nanchang in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Phuket is a little warmer than Nanchang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanchang averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Nanchang during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Nanchang. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 58 mm (2.3 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) 
    Nanchang 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Nanchang in the Winter?

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

In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Nanchang. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanchang fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Nanchang. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 103 hours of full sun.

Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Nanchang. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 59 mm (2.3 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) 
    Nanchang 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Nanchang in the Spring?

Both Nanchang 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 much warmer than Nanchang in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Nanchang fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Nanchang during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 116 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanchang. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives less rain than Nanchang. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 229 mm (9 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) 
    Nanchang 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Nanchang and Phuket

Phuket Nanchang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 229 mm (9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 26°C (79°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)