Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
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.
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
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 Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesYangshuo Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $134Yangshuo $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $134, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $91. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $62Yangshuo $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $124Yangshuo $54
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Yangshuo? 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 $12Yangshuo $45
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)$9.08
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket to Krabi: Island Transfer & Private Phi Phi Tour: $433
- Krabi to Island Transfer & Private Phi Phi Tour: $401
- 7 Islands Jet Ski Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $272
- Phuket’s Must-Do Tours with Return Private Airport Transfers: $248
- 5 or 8-Island Jet Ski Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $247
- Jet Ski Tour to 6/9 Islands with Lunch & Transfers: $245
- Phuket Jet Ski Adventure and Island Hopping with Transfers: $210
- Ko Lanta: Private Transfer To/From Phuket and Ko Lanta: $209
- Phuket airport to Krabi Private transfer: $206
- Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $187
- Phuket any hotel to Koh lanta Private transfer: $182
- Phuket Airport: Private One-Way Van Transfer to Krabi Hotel: $180
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Karst Caving Experience with Transfer From Yanghsuo: $69
- Liusanjie Light Show with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $69
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Longsheng (Ping'an / Dazhai ) from Yangshuo: $78
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Guilin hotel: $64
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Yangshuo Transfer from Hotel to Longji terraces Hotel: $96
- Visit 100% primitive cave with Transfer: $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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 $42Yangshuo $34
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)$8.75
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.14
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.72
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Bananas$0.76
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Pizza (for Two)$9.08
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
- Authentic Peranakan Cooking Class & Tasting Menu in Phuket: $30
- Pum Thai Express Cooking Experience with Recipe Book: $37
- Old Town Food Tour | Travstore OG F.A.T: $45
- Siam Niramit Show with Optional Dinner: $47
- Siam Niramit Ticket with Round Transfer and Dinner: $50
- Elephant Experience with Lunch or Dinner and Pickup: $51
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $52
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $52
- Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Phuket with Dinner at Promthep Cape: $53
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $47Yangshuo $25
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$27
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$76
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Thai Oil Massage$19
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Surfboard Rental$9.08
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (Bookable Rows 1–3)Simon Cabaret Show Tickets in Patong Phuket: $25
- 1 Day Phuket Sightseeing Tour Without Shopping: $47
- 1 Hour Phuket ATV on Tour + Big Buddha: $40
- 1-Hour Quad Bike ATV Ride – Ultimate Adventure: $60
- 12 Islands Overnight Tour: $203
- 2 Day Tour to James Bond Islands, Krabi and Phi Phi: $182
- 2 Hours ATV Riding in Phuket (Popular Tour): $100
- 3 Fun Dives King Cruiser Wreck and Koh DokMai for Certified diver: $169
- 3 Hour Zipline Adventure Park Experience: 65 Platforms: $107
- 3 Khai Islands Tour- Snorkel, Swim & Relax (Half or Full Day): $34
- 3-Dive Discover Scuba Diving Tour in Phuket for Beginners: $157
- 3-Island Speedboat Tour: Racha Noi, Racha Yai & Maiton: $112
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $67
- Guilin: Eternal Love Show Ticket with Interactive Activities: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.05Yangshuo $36
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)$6.05
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Beer$2.57
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Rooftop, Bars, GoGo & 3 Clubs with Shots: $15
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $29
- Bar Crawl Tour: $29
- Cocktail Workshop with Distillery Visit & Tasting: $39
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $53
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $88
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $134
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Yangshuo, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Yangshuo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the Summer?
Both Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
In the autumn, Phuket is a little warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Yangshuo 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Yangshuo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Yangshuo. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Yangshuo. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Yangshuo in the Spring?
Both Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Phuket
| Phuket | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.