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

Should you visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun 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.

Where Should I go: Hongcun or Railay Beach?

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure 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 Hongcun and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.

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

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

Hongcun 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 Hongcun or Railay Beach in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hongcun is around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hongcun in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In July, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Railay Beach is August to October.

Should I visit Hongcun or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

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

In October, Hongcun is generally cooler than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 19°C (65°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Railay Beach. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.

Should I visit Hongcun or Railay Beach in the Winter?

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

The weather in Hongcun can be very cold. Hongcun is much colder than Railay Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In January, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Railay Beach. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season.

Should I visit Hongcun or Railay Beach in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Hongcun is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hongcun in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Railay Beach. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 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 Hongcun