Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Yangshuo or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Koh Pha Ngan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Koh Pha Ngan?
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.
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 Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $72Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $72, 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 Yangshuo and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $25Koh Pha Ngan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $50Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $42Koh Pha Ngan $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $75
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $49
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $48
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3 hours): $69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Ferry Ride$14
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Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Yangshuo 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 dayYangshuo $19Koh Pha Ngan $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3-Hour Yangshuo Cooking Class with Yangshuo Town Shopping: $138
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.09
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
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Ice Cream$0.55
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Juice$1.64
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3 Spring Rolls$0.82
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2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $23Koh Pha Ngan $17
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Tour to learn Chinese cuisine in Yangshuo group: $37
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $47
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Gullin: Li River Cruise with Pickup and Yangshuo: $65
- Private Half-Day Bike and Bamboo Raft Tour in Yangshuo: $80
- 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
- Xingping Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89
- Yangshuo Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $33Koh 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:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.09
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Koh Pha Ngan?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo or Koh Pha Ngan?
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
In July, Yangshuo is generally a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 30°C (86°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Yangshuo 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.
Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In October, Yangshuo usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Yangshuo during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
In the winter, Yangshuo is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yangshuo in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Yangshuo usually gets more rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Yangshuo is generally cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 20°C (68°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.