Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Phuket or Hangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Hangzhou, 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: Phuket or Hangzhou?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesHangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Hangzhou $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, 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 Phuket and Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Hangzhou $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Hangzhou $48
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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.
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: Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Hangzhou $8.24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Hanuman World Phuket Round Trip Transfer Extra Zone: $95
- Lion Land Phuket Entry Ticket with Private Hotel Transfer: $69
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $80
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $11
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $160
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $135
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Ticket Include Transfers: $84
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $116
- Andamanda Water Park Phuket Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $75
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $43
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $131
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer : $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou and Phuket 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
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Food Meals for one dayPhuket $43Hangzhou $31
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.38
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Hangzhou $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $4.75
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $8.05
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $17
- Aquaria Phuket Tickets and 4D Trickeye Museum Combo Deal: $17
- Aquaria Phuket and 4D Trickeye Museum Experience Ticket: $17
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
- Patong Beach Parasailing and Jet Skiing Experience Shared: $22
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Hangzhou $10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
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Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Hangzhou, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Hangzhou, 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 Phuket or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Phuket or Hangzhou in the Summer?
Both Hangzhou and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Hangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Hangzhou and Phuket during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Phuket is a little warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 19°C (66°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Hangzhou. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Hangzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Phuket is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Hangzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Hangzhou. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Phuket is much warmer than Hangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Phuket
| Phuket | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.