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

Should you visit Tianjin or Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Tianjin 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.

Where Should I go: Tianjin or Koh Pha Ngan?

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Tianjin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $92, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $61. 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 Tianjin and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $35
    Koh Pha Ngan $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $70
    Koh Pha Ngan $54
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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 Tianjin


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.
    Tianjin $37
    Koh Pha Ngan $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Beijing Airport Transfer from Tianjin International Cruise Port: $130
  • Beijing Daxing or Capital Int’l Airport Private Departure Transfer from Tianjin : $128
  • Binhai Airport Private Transfer to Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels : $225
  • Cruise Transfer:Tianjin International Home Port to Beijing PEK or Daxing Airport: $118
  • Port Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Home Port to Beijing Hotels: $100
  • Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39
  • Private One Way Tianjin Port Transfer to Beijing including Great Wall Sightseeing: $198
  • Private One Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port and Beijing: $132

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

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


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.42
  • Ferry Ride
    $16
  • Gas for Scooter
    $3.45

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

Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Tianjin 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
    Tianjin $36
    Koh Pha Ngan $20

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)
    $1.26
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Smoothies (for Two)
    $1.26
  • Ice Cream
    $0.63
  • Juice
    $1.88
  • 3 Spring Rolls
    $0.94
  • 2 Pancakes
    $1.88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $10
    Koh Pha Ngan $19

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.

  • Tianjin International Cruise Home Port to Beijing Airport/City Tr: $119
  • Guided Day Tour to Tianjin Downtown with Lunch: $148
  • Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
  • Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
  • Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
  • Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $214
  • Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $215
  • Private Tianjin Shopping Tour: $218
  • All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    Koh Pha Ngan $11

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)
    $8.16


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


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Koh Pha Ngan?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Koh Pha Ngan?

Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

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

Tianjin is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Tianjin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

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

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn 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 autumn, Tianjin is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tianjin in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)

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

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

Tianjin can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Tianjin is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around -3°C (27°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)

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

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

Tianjin is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Tianjin

Tianjin Koh Pha Ngan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)