Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach or Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Cheju (Jeju) or Railay Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cheju (Jeju) and Railay Beach. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Railay Beach?
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
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 Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesRailay Beach Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Railay Beach $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, 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 Cheju (Jeju) and Railay Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Railay Beach $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Railay Beach $146
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Railay Beach
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Railay Beach $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Railay Beach?
Prices for flights to both Railay Beach and Cheju (Jeju) 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 dayCheju (Jeju) $29Railay Beach $43
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.44
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139
Typical Food Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
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Pizza$5.34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Railay Beach $26
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
- Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
- Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
- Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
- Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
- Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
- Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59
Typical Entertainment Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Rock Climbing (for Two)$22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Railay Beach $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Beer$1.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive? and Is Railay Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cheju (Jeju) or Railay Beach?
Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Railay Beach in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Railay Beach. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 26°C (79°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 Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Railay Beach during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 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. Cheju (Jeju) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Railay Beach in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Railay Beach. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Railay Beach. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Railay Beach 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Railay Beach in the Winter?
Both Railay Beach and Cheju (Jeju) 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.
In January, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much colder than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 5°C (41°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Railay Beach. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Railay Beach in the Spring?
Both Railay Beach and Cheju (Jeju) during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.
Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Railay Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
In Railay Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Railay Beach. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 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. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in April than Railay Beach. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Railay Beach 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Railay Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.