A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Suzhou vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Suzhou 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 Suzhou 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: Suzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Suzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Suzhou is $101, 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 Suzhou and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Suzhou $38
    Koh Pha Ngan $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Suzhou $76
    Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for a hotel in Suzhou 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.

Hotels in Suzhou


Hotels in Koh Pha Ngan


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Suzhou $57
    Koh Pha Ngan $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Exploration with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Suzhou Train Station to Hotels in Suzhou: $44
  • Private Day Tour: Suzhou Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $280

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $8.18
  • Ferry Ride
    $14
  • Gas for Scooter
    $3.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?

Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Suzhou 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
    Suzhou $32
    Koh Pha Ngan $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
  • Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
  • Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145

Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:


  • Noodle Lunch (for One)
    $1.09
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $11
  • Smoothies (for Two)
    $1.09
  • Ice Cream
    $0.55
  • Juice
    $1.64
  • 3 Spring Rolls
    $0.82
  • 2 Pancakes
    $1.64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Suzhou $9.32
    Koh Pha Ngan $17

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:

  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car with Drop-off Option : $137
  • Private Tour of Suzhou Museum, Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road: $144

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Suzhou $6.40
    Koh 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:


  • Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)
    $7.09


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Suzhou and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Suzhou Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou 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 Suzhou or Koh Pha Ngan?

Suzhou 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 Suzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Suzhou is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

In the autumn, Suzhou is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Suzhou in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Suzhou usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. October and November in Koh Pha Ngan is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Suzhou can be very cold. In January, Suzhou is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 4°C (39°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In January, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Suzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

Suzhou is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. Suzhou usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Suzhou

Suzhou Koh Pha Ngan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)