Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Chengdu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chengdu or Koh Pha Ngan?
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 Chengdu and Koh Pha Ngan. 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: Chengdu or Koh Pha Ngan?
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
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 Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
-
Chengdu Prices
China PricesKoh Pha Ngan Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChengdu $67Koh Pha Ngan $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Chengdu is $67, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $61. 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 Chengdu and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChengdu $21Koh Pha Ngan $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChengdu $42Koh Pha Ngan $54
Compare Hotels in Chengdu and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Chengdu 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: Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chengdu $6.02Koh Pha Ngan $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- Airport transfer between Tianfu(TFU) and Chengdu downtown: $45
- Chengdu 3-Day Self-Guided Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong with Transfer: $412
- Chengdu Airport (TFU) to Chengdu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Chengdu Airport Private Transfer With English Speaking Driver: $35
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Chengdu City to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Ticket w/ Optional Transfer or Guide: $20
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Tour with Guide or Transfer: $20
- Chengdu Private Transfer from Chengdu central to Chengdu Airport (CTU): $43
- Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu City - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $60
- Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Chengdu Hotels private transfer: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$9.42
-
Ferry Ride$16
-
Gas for Scooter$3.45
Is it cheaper to fly into Chengdu or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Chengdu 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 dayChengdu $38Koh Pha Ngan $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking with a Local Market Visit: $69
- Half day Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Class Tour(Cooking 3 dishes): $75
- Half-Day Chengdu Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $75
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
- Half-Day Private Hot-Pot Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $80
- Cooking Class with Fresh Market Half Day Experience: $80
- Chengdu Food Tour with Wenshu Yuan Monastery Visit: $82
- Half-Day Sichuan Cooking Class Experience in Chengdu: $84
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
-
Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.26
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
-
Smoothies (for Two)$1.26
-
Ice Cream$0.63
-
Juice$1.88
-
3 Spring Rolls$0.94
-
2 Pancakes$1.88
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chengdu $16Koh Pha Ngan $19
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Customize Your China Tour 2024/2025: $5.00
- Panda Research Base Ticket or Volunteer Day Trip: $9.50
- Chengdu Museum Tours & Tickets : $10
- Ticket reservation for Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base: $15
- Private Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket and Guide opt: $16
- Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Optional Private Tour: $16
- Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $16
- Half-Day Panda Base Tour with Guide Option: $17
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $17
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum Ticket for Adult: $18
- Panda Breeding Base Tickets Booking: $19
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Ticket pre-booking: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChengdu $3.99Koh 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:
-
Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$8.16
When comparing the travel costs between Chengdu and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Chengdu 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 Chengdu Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chengdu or Koh Pha Ngan?
Chengdu has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Chengdu 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.
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.