A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guangzhou vs. Koh Phi Phi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guangzhou or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Guangzhou and Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Koh Phi Phi?

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Guangzhou?

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

  • Guangzhou Prices
    China Prices
    Koh Phi Phi Prices
    Thailand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Guangzhou $104
    Koh Phi Phi $95

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Guangzhou and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $58
    Koh Phi Phi $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $116
    Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Guangzhou


Hotels in Koh Phi Phi


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 Phi Phi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guangzhou $14
    Koh Phi Phi $7.93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Shenzhen Day Tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Private Transfer: $255
  • Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $200
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $194
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $176
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $135
  • Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
  • Private Arrival Transfer in English-speaking: Airport to Hotel: $99
  • Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $90

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $17
  • Longboat Taxi
    $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi

Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
  • Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Guangzhou 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
    Guangzhou $34
    Koh Phi Phi $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

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

  • Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
  • Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
  • Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
  • Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266

Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.88
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $11
  • Casual Lunch
    $6.59
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.31
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $13
  • Sit Down Dinner
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
  • International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Koh Phi Phi $52

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

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

  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
  • 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
  • 1-Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private City Tour: $185
  • 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
  • 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
  • 4-Hour Flexible Private Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Options: $153
  • 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
  • 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
  • 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience : $118
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental
    $9.42

Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.

  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
  • Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
  • Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
  • Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
  • Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
  • Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
  • Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Koh Phi Phi $6.51

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:


  • Mojito Bucket
    $16
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $6.28


When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Koh Phi Phi?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 3150 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Guangzhou or Koh Phi Phi?

Guangzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Guangzhou or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Guangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the summer, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Guangzhou. In the summer, Guangzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Guangzhou is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Guangzhou is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the winter, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Guangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Guangzhou is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In April, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Koh Phi Phi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)