Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Koh Pha Ngan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Shenzhen or Koh Pha Ngan?
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
Koh Pha Ngan
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $123Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45. 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 Shenzhen and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Koh Pha Ngan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Koh Pha Ngan? 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: Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Koh Pha Ngan $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Port - Round- Trip Private Transfer : $90
- Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- Hong Kong Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Terminal to Airport: $62
- Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Ferry Ride$14
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Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Shenzhen 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 dayShenzhen $20Koh Pha Ngan $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vegetarian Food Tour: $77
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
- Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $160
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $160
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.09
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
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Ice Cream$0.55
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Juice$1.64
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3 Spring Rolls$0.82
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2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Koh Pha Ngan $17
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line! Walk to the Peak: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
- Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $14
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Lovely Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- TramOramic Sightseeing Tour plus 2-Day Tramways Ticket: $23
- sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets: $23
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Koh Pha Ngan $9.89
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.09
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Pha Ngan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen than you might in Koh Pha Ngan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Koh Pha Ngan?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Shenzhen or Koh Pha Ngan?
Shenzhen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Pha Ngan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Shenzhen or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
In the summer, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenzhen in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).
Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 26°C (78°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
Shenzhen is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 16°C (60°F) in January, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenzhen in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.