Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Xiamen?
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 Xiamen or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xiamen and Koh Phi Phi 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: Xiamen or Koh Phi Phi?
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Xiamen Prices
China PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $84Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $84, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Xiamen and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $31Koh Phi Phi $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $62Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $6.08Koh Phi Phi $7.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou : $115
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
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Longboat Taxi$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Xiamen 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 dayXiamen $46Koh Phi Phi $23
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.88
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Sit Down Lunch$11
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Casual Lunch$6.59
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Coconut Donut$0.31
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
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Sit Down Dinner$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Koh Phi Phi $52
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
- Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Activities In & Around Phuket: Full Day Customizable Tour : $110
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $184
- Banana Beach Premium: Shared Tour: $137
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $65
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Half Day Rainforest and Waterfall Tour in Thailand: $99
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $110
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Maya Bay Sleep aboard Tour From Phi Phi: $143
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Koh Phi Phi $6.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$16
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Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When comparing the travel costs between Xiamen and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Xiamen Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Koh Phi Phi?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 580 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Xiamen or Koh Phi Phi?
Xiamen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Xiamen or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Xiamen is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 30°C (86°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyXiamen 30°C (86°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Xiamen is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Xiamen usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberXiamen 25°C (77°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Xiamen is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Xiamen in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In January, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryXiamen 14°C (58°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Xiamen during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
In April, Xiamen is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 20°C (69°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets more rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilXiamen 20°C (69°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.