Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Zanzibar?
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 Zanzibar or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Koh Pha Ngan 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: Zanzibar or Koh Pha Ngan?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesKoh Pha Ngan Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Koh Pha Ngan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $58. 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 Zanzibar and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Koh Pha Ngan $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Koh Pha Ngan $50
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Koh Pha Ngan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa Transfer inclus: $68
- Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar: $30
- Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar (24/7): $29
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport Transfer to any hotel in Zanzibar: $55
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels: $45
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
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$8.95
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Ferry Ride$15
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Gas for Scooter$3.28
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $28Koh Pha Ngan $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Spice Farm Zanzibar Cooking Class Authentic Cultural Experience: $65
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Cooking Class Tour: $75
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
- Zanzibar Spice and Night Market Cooking and Street Food Tour: $80
- A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90
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)$1.19
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.19
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Ice Cream$0.60
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Juice$1.79
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3 Spring Rolls$0.90
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2 Pancakes$1.79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Koh Pha Ngan $18
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Stone Town Self Audio Guide Tour With Tourist Map: $6.00
- Safari Blue island of Kwale Adventure: $8.00
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $14
- Zanzibar Private Spice Farm Tour With Optional Lunch: $17
- Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar with local guide Mohamed,: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town Tour: $20
- City tours zanzibar: $20
- Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Koh 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:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.76
When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Zanzibar 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. Even though Zanzibar is in Africa and Koh Pha Ngan is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Koh Pha Ngan?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Koh Pha Ngan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Zanzibar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Koh Pha Ngan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.