A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Yangshuo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pattaya or Yangshuo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and Yangshuo 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: Pattaya or Yangshuo?

Pattaya

Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.

Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.

Yangshuo

A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.


Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo or Pattaya?

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 Pattaya is $93, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $86. 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 Pattaya and Yangshuo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pattaya $27
    Yangshuo $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pattaya $54
    Yangshuo $52
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Yangshuo

Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or Yangshuo? 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 Pattaya


Hotels in Yangshuo


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: Pattaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pattaya $13
    Yangshuo $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya

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

  • Paramotor Experience in Pattaya Include Pickup Transfer: $216
  • Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $206
  • Full-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $205
  • Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Cruise Port to Bangkok hotels: $155
  • Private Transfer from Pattaya to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Port to D.Mueang Airport (DMK): $155
  • Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Cruise Port to Bangkok City : $140
  • Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Port to D. Mueang Airport(DMK): $140
  • Half-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $139
  • Private Transfer from Rayong to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Laem Chabang to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $124
  • Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $124

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo

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

  • Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
  • Private Yangshuo Transfer from Hotel to Longji terraces Hotel: $96
  • From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
  • Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
  • Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
  • From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
  • Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
  • Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
  • Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Yangshuo?

Prices for flights to both Yangshuo and Pattaya 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
    Pattaya $43
    Yangshuo $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya

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

  • All Star Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $45
  • Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment : $54
  • Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $54
  • Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $60
  • All Star Dinner Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
  • Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo

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

  • Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
  • Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
  • The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
  • Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
  • Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pattaya $24
    Yangshuo $24

Tours and Activities in Pattaya

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

  • Andamanda Waterpark Phuket Ticketed Fun: $53
  • Private Wachira Benchathat Tour with Transportation: $287
  • 1 Hour ATV Off Road Adventure In Pattaya: $72
  • 6 Hour Private Selfie City Tour in the Landmark of Pattaya: $102
  • Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $39
  • Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya Admission Ticket: $50
  • Alcazar Cabaret Show Tickets: $50
  • All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $49
  • Art In Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $12
  • Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $9.34
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya 3D Illusion Museum Ticket : $13
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya Entrance (Ticket Only): $8.51

Tours and Activities in Yangshuo

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

  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
  • Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $170
  • 1-Day Guilin City Tour and Ends of Longji Rice Terraces from Yangshuo: $218
  • 1-Day Private Yangshuo Bicycle Tour along Ten-Mile Gallery: $119
  • 1-Day Terracotta Warriors Tour from Beijing/Chengdu/Shanghai: $497
  • All Inclusive Private Hiking Tour in Yangshuo: $84
  • Day Tour in Yangshuo and Li River: $155
  • Enchanting Li River & Beyond: Cruise, Peaks & Panorama: $293
  • Entry Ticket to Liu San Jie Impression Show: $71
  • From Guilin: 6-Day Yangtze River Cruise with Excursions: $1,299
  • From Guilin: Yangshuo Rock-climbing & River-tracing Tour: $282
  • From Xingping River-tracing Half Day Private Tour: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pattaya $9.42
    Yangshuo $34


When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Yangshuo, we can see that Pattaya 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 Pattaya Expensive? and Is Yangshuo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Yangshuo?

Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Yangshuo, 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 Pattaya or Yangshuo?

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

Should I visit Pattaya or Yangshuo in the Summer?

Both Yangshuo and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Pattaya is around the same temperature as Yangshuo in the summer. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pattaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Yangshuo in the Autumn?

Both Yangshuo and Pattaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Pattaya is a little warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pattaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Yangshuo. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pattaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Yangshuo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

In January, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 27°C (80°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pattaya 27°C (80°F) 
    Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Yangshuo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Yangshuo. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Pattaya is a little warmer than Yangshuo in the spring. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 30°C (86°F) in April, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Yangshuo. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pattaya 30°C (86°F) 
    Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Pattaya

Pattaya Yangshuo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 30°C (86°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 30°C (85°F) 202 mm (7.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 232 mm (9.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)