Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo or Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata or Yangshuo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Yangshuo? 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.
Where Should I go: Tanah Rata or Yangshuo?
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
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Tanah Rata Prices
Malaysia PricesYangshuo Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $192Yangshuo $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $86. 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 Tanah Rata and Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $76Yangshuo $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $152Yangshuo $52
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata 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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $33Yangshuo $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
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
- From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- 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 Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo and Tanah Rata 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 dayTanah Rata $87Yangshuo $33
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
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
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $39Yangshuo $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking : $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
- Ticket of Impression Sanjie Liu Show: $62
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $21Yangshuo $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Yangshuo, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive? and Is Yangshuo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tanah Rata experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Yangshuo in the Summer?
Both Yangshuo and Tanah Rata during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Yangshuo. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 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 JulyTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Yangshuo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Yangshuo. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Yangshuo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Yangshuo. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 10°C (49°F).
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the winter. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Yangshuo. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Yangshuo in the Spring?
Both Yangshuo and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
In April, Tanah Rata is generally a little warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.