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

Should you visit Koh Chang or Dalian?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Dalian, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Koh Chang or Dalian?

Koh Chang

Most people pick Thailand for their destination because they're anxious to collapse on a breathtaking beach. If that is you, Ko Chang does not disappoint. As one the country's most beautiful islands, Ko Chang is full of white beaches and incredible wildlife. Beware, though, you're not the only one with Ko Chang in mind. During the high season, the island can become quite crowded with tourists.

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Koh Chang?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Chang is $70, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $124. 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 Koh Chang and Dalian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Chang $28
    Dalian $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Chang $56
    Dalian $110
Compare Hotels in Koh Chang and Dalian

Looking for a hotel in Koh Chang or Dalian? 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 Koh Chang


Hotels in Dalian


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 Chang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Chang $15
    Dalian $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Chang

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

  • Private Transfer from Trat to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $236
  • Private Transfer from Trat to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $229
  • Koh Chang to BKK or DMK Airport Private Transfers : $161
  • Trat Airport: Shared Transfers to/from Koh Chang with Ferry: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

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

  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Chang or Dalian?

Prices for flights to both Dalian and Koh Chang 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
    Koh Chang $33
    Dalian $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Chang $6.28
    Dalian $4.86

Tours and Activities in Koh Chang

For Koh Chang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • PADI Discover Scuba Dive Experience: $175
  • Private Kayak Experience in Bang Bao Bay with Lunch: $25
  • Snorkeling Adventure at Koh Chang – Departing from Koh Chang: $32

Tours and Activities in Dalian

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

  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
  • Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
  • Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Chang $5.38
    Dalian $6.41


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Chang and Dalian, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Koh Chang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Chang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Chang 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian than you might in Koh Chang.

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



When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Dalian?

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

Should I visit Koh Chang or Dalian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Dalian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round.

In July, Koh Chang is generally a little warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 28°C (82°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Dalian receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Dalian. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Chang 28°C (82°F) 
    Dalian 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Koh Chang or Dalian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Dalian. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Dalian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in October than Dalian. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Chang 27°C (81°F) 
    Dalian 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Koh Chang or Dalian in the Winter?

Both Dalian and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Dalian in the winter. In the winter, Koh Chang is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Chang in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Dalian averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In January, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Dalian. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Chang 26°C (79°F) 
    Dalian -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Koh Chang or Dalian in the Spring?

Both Dalian and Koh Chang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Koh Chang is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 29°C (84°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in April than Dalian. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Chang 29°C (84°F) 
    Dalian 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Dalian and Koh Chang

Koh Chang Dalian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 356 mm (14 in) 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 513 mm (20.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 440 mm (17.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 514 mm (20.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 476 mm (18.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)