A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Railay Beach for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Beijing or Railay Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Railay Beach 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Beijing travel costs.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a spectacular, fun-filled, and adventurous beach area. The famous beauty of Railay Beach is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Railay Beach travel costs.

Beijing and Railay Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Railay Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beijing than Railay Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beijing is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Railay Beach is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Railay Beach and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Railay Beach is well known for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing.

How is Beijing different from Railay Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Railay Beach and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Railay Beach?

Beijing is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Beijing that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Railay Beach. This is an adventure sport destination that is popular for rock climbing and its scenic beauty. Therefore, there are no real museums or temples in the area.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Railay Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its restaurants.

Beijing has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Railay Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a number of tourist oriented restaurants. Many are affiliated with hotels and resorts and serve the standard Thai options along with pizza and burgers.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for nightlife and partying.

Beijing offers plenty to do in the evening. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Railay Beach. It's a secluded area with a decent number of laid back bars that are usually associated with hotels or resorts. There's also a young crowd, including backpackers, who come for the beautiful setting and great rock climbing. This population insures that there's always something going on at night.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach Better for Resorts?

Railay Beach is a great destination for its resorts. However, Beijing is not a resort destination.

In Railay Beach, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Beijing is not a resort destination.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Railay Beach is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Railay Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach Better for Beaches?

Railay Beach is a great destination for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Railay Beach attract visitors from all over. The beaches are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs. There are three areas: Railay Beach West is scenic with its surrounding cliffs and popular resorts. This is the place to swim or watch the sunset. Railay Beach East is most popular for its rock climbing. You should also check out Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Railay Beach?

Beijing is a well-known place for shopping. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its shopping opportunities.

Beijing is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

If you're looking to go shopping, Railay Beach has some nice offerings. The Walking Street has shops that sell bathing suits or anything you may have forgotten.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach More Beautiful?

Railay Beach is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Railay Beach is one of the main draws. The dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches make this a stunning place to visit.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Railay Beach are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Railay Beach offers lots of family activities. This is a favorite beach area for many visitors to Thailand. It's only accessible by water and it offers adventure sports and calm waters that are nice for kids.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach Better for Couples?

Railay Beach is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Railay Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rock climbing is a favorite activity here, and couples who have an adventurous spirit will enjoy this dramatic location.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Railay Beach are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Railay Beach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of affordable accommodation that attracts budget travelers and backpackers. The area's world class rock climbing also appeals to the young and adventurous crowd.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach Better for Students?

Beijing is a well-known place for students. However, Railay Beach is not popular with students.

Beijing is very popular with students. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Railay Beach is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Beijing is fairly effecient and thorough. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Public transit is mostly limited in Railay Beach. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.

Is Beijing or Railay Beach a more walkable city?

Railay Beach is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Railay Beach on foot is easy. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Railay Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Railay Beach or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Railay Beach?

It's fun to spend time in either Beijing or Railay Beach. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beijing due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-4 days is enough time in Railay Beach.

Families should spend more time in Railay Beach than Beijing. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Railay Beach, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Railay Beach than Beijing. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Railay Beach that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Railay Beach if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Railay Beach?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Railay Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Railay Beach?

Beijing is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

In Railay Beach, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Railay Beach has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Railay Beach?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Railay Beach is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Railay Beach?

Beijing is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Railay Beach. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Railay Beach. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

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

Beijing 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 Beijing or Railay Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Railay Beach. Many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Beijing is around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Railay Beach this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Railay Beach during summer. Beijing gets 224 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. Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 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.

Should I visit Beijing or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Railay Beach. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.

In October, Beijing is generally much colder than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Railay Beach. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 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.

Should I visit Beijing or Railay Beach in the Winter?

Both Railay Beach and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Beijing can be very cold. Beijing is much colder than Railay Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 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.

Should I visit Beijing or Railay Beach in the Spring?

Both Railay Beach and Beijing during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.

In the spring, Beijing is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 29°C (84°F).

In Railay Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Railay Beach. Beijing gets 247 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. Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Railay Beach. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Beijing