A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhengzhou vs. Railay Beach for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Railay Beach?

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 Zhengzhou and Railay Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Railay Beach?

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

Railay Beach

If you're looking to scale great heights and add more achievements to your list during your vacation, consider a trip to the peninsula of Rai Leh, or more commonly Railay Bay or Railay Beach, in the Krabi region of Thailand. This swimming and rock climbing hotspot is known for its towering limestone peaks and gorgeous surrounding scenery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach or Zhengzhou?

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

  • Zhengzhou Prices
    China Prices
    Railay Beach Prices
    Thailand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zhengzhou $65
    Railay Beach $139

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Railay Beach is $139. 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 Zhengzhou and Railay Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $21
    Railay Beach $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $42
    Railay Beach $146
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Railay Beach

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Railay Beach? 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 Zhengzhou


Hotels in Railay Beach


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhengzhou $14
    Railay Beach $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Railay Beach?

Prices for flights to both Railay Beach and Zhengzhou 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
    Zhengzhou $36
    Railay Beach $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Typical Food Prices in Railay Beach

Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.28
  • Pizza
    $5.34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $5.03
    Railay Beach $26

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
  • Shaolin Temple One Day Tour: $125
  • Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
  • Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
  • Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
  • Zhengzhou Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes: $175
  • Zhengzhou private day tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu show: $180
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
  • Zhengzhou:Kaifeng Private Day Tour Featuring MUST-SEE Attractions: $209

Typical Entertainment Prices in Railay Beach

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Rock Climbing (for Two)
    $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $4.04
    Railay Beach $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Railay Beach

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.88


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Railay Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Railay Beach than you might in Zhengzhou.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Railay Beach Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Zhengzhou or Railay Beach?

Zhengzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Railay Beach experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Railay Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Railay Beach. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Railay Beach this time of the year. In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Railay Beach during summer. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Railay Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Railay Beach. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.

In the autumn, Zhengzhou is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhengzhou in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Zhengzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Railay Beach. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season. August to October in Railay Beach is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Railay Beach 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Railay Beach in the Winter?

Both Railay Beach and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zhengzhou. In January, Zhengzhou is generally much colder than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 1°C (34°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during winter. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Railay Beach is December to March.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Railay Beach in the Spring?

Both Railay Beach and Zhengzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.

Zhengzhou is much colder than Railay Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Railay Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. In the spring, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Railay Beach. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 249 hours of full sun.

Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Railay Beach. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Railay Beach 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Railay Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)


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