Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Sihanoukville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Sihanoukville or Koh Pha Ngan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Sihanoukville, also known by locals as Kompong Som, was named after King Sihanouk. Also Cambodia's youngest city, construction started in 1955 to build Cambodia's first and only deep water port so that ships would no longer have to go through the Mekong Delta in order to trade with Cambodia. Today, many visit Sihanoukville as a hub to visit Cambodia's islands.
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 Bicycle Tours in Cambodia, The Best Adventure Tours to Cambodia, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Sihanoukville is $51, 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 Sihanoukville and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Sihanoukville 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sihanoukville:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Sihanoukville 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sihanoukville.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
Here are a few actual costs in Sihanoukville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
When comparing the travel costs between Sihanoukville and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Sihanoukville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sihanoukville Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Sihanoukville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Sihanoukville 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.