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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Hangzhou?

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 Koh Tarutao and Hangzhou. 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: Koh Tarutao or Hangzhou?

Koh Tarutao

While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much more.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Koh Tarutao?

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 Tarutao is $137, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $80. 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 Tarutao and Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Tarutao $57
    Hangzhou $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Tarutao $114
    Hangzhou $48
Compare Hotels in Koh Tarutao and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Koh Tarutao or Hangzhou? 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 Tarutao


Hotels in Hangzhou


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $39
    Hangzhou $8.24

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
  • Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $75
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $72
  • Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou: $88
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Private Transfer to Mogan Mountian from Hangzhou: $85
  • Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Tarutao or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou and Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao $56
    Hangzhou $31

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.38
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Tarutao $17
    Hangzhou $20

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

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

  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
  • 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $113
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $188
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
  • 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
  • All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
  • Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Tarutao $8.08
    Hangzhou $10


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

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



When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Hangzhou?

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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hangzhou in the Summer?

Both Hangzhou and Koh Tarutao during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in July than Hangzhou. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (81°F) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round.

Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (81°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hangzhou in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Hangzhou. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Tarutao 27°C (80°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hangzhou in the Spring?

Both Hangzhou and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hangzhou. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Tarutao 29°C (85°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)