Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Yangshuo?
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 Yangshuo or Koyasan?
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 Koyasan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Koyasan?
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.
Koyasan
Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.
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Yangshuo Prices
China PricesKoyasan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $86Koyasan $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $86, while the average daily cost in Koyasan 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 Yangshuo and Koyasan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $26Koyasan $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $52Koyasan $82
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Koyasan
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Koyasan? 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: Koyasan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $43Koyasan $34
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 Yangshuo or Koyasan?
Prices for flights to both Koyasan 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 $33Koyasan $34
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.Yangshuo $24Koyasan $14
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: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $34Koyasan $5.07
When comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan 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 Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Yangshuo or Koyasan?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Yangshuo or Koyasan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Koyasan. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Koyasan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Koyasan in the Autumn?
Both Koyasan and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yangshuo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. In October, Yangshuo usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Koyasan 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Koyasan in the Winter?
Both Koyasan and Yangshuo during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.
In January, Yangshuo is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 10°C (49°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Yangshuo usually gets more rain in January than Koyasan. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Koyasan 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Koyasan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Koyasan. Furthermore, many travelers come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Yangshuo is a little warmer than Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Koyasan 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Koyasan and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Koyasan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 208 mm (8.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.