A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Railay Beach for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Shanghai or Railay Beach?

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 Shanghai and Railay Beach. 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a cosmopolitan, professional, and diverse port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Shanghai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Shanghai travel costs.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a adventurous, dramatic, and spectacular beach area. You'll find world class beauty in Railay Beach as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Railay Beach travel costs.

Shanghai and Railay Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Railay Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai. Although Shanghai and Railay Beach are popular destinations, Shanghai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shanghai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Railay Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Railay Beach is famous for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing.

How is Shanghai different from Railay Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Railay Beach and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Railay Beach?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Shanghai that are not to be missed. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Railay Beach. This is an adventure sport destination that is popular for rock climbing and its scenic beauty. Therefore, there are no real museums or temples in the area.

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Railay Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its restaurants.

Shanghai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Railay Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a number of tourist oriented restaurants. Many are affiliated with hotels and resorts and serve the standard Thai options along with pizza and burgers.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Shanghai and Railay Beach.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Railay Beach. It's a secluded area with a decent number of laid back bars that are usually associated with hotels or resorts. There's also a young crowd, including backpackers, who come for the beautiful setting and great rock climbing. This population insures that there's always something going on at night.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach Better for Resorts?

Railay Beach is notable for its resorts. However, Shanghai is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Railay Beach to choose from. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Shanghai is not a resort destination.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Railay Beach is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Railay Beach. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach Better for Beaches?

Railay Beach is notable for the beach. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Railay Beach for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs. There are three areas: Railay Beach West is scenic with its surrounding cliffs and popular resorts. This is the place to swim or watch the sunset. Railay Beach East is most popular for its rock climbing. You should also check out Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Railay Beach?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its shopping opportunities.

Shanghai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

If you're looking to go shopping, Railay Beach has some nice offerings. The Walking Street has shops that sell bathing suits or anything you may have forgotten.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach More Beautiful?

Railay Beach is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Railay Beach as well. The dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches make this a stunning place to visit.

With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach Better for Families?

Shanghai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Shanghai is a very family-friendly place to visit. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Railay Beach is a family-friendly port city. This is a favorite beach area for many visitors to Thailand. It's only accessible by water and it offers adventure sports and calm waters that are nice for kids.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Shanghai has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Railay Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rock climbing is a favorite activity here, and couples who have an adventurous spirit will enjoy this dramatic location.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Railay Beach are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Railay Beach. There's no shortage of affordable accommodation that attracts budget travelers and backpackers. The area's world class rock climbing also appeals to the young and adventurous crowd.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach Better for Students?

Shanghai is a well-known place for students. However, Railay Beach is not popular with students.

Shanghai is very popular with students. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Railay Beach is not popular with students.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Shanghai is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Public transit is mostly limited in Railay Beach. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.

Is Shanghai or Railay Beach a more walkable city?

Railay Beach is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Railay Beach on foot. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Railay Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Railay Beach or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Railay Beach?

It's fun to spend time in either Shanghai or Railay Beach. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shanghai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Railay Beach.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Railay Beach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Shanghai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Railay Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Railay Beach if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Shanghai.

One day in Shanghai or Railay Beach?

Each neighborhood in Shanghai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful beach area of Railay Beach offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Railay Beach?

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Railay Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this beach area makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Railay Beach, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Railay Beach?

Each neighborhood in Shanghai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Railay Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Railay Beach?

Shanghai is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Railay Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Railay Beach Expensive?.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Railay Beach in the Summer?

Both Railay Beach and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Railay Beach during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 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 Shanghai or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

Both Railay Beach and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.

Shanghai is cooler than Railay Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Railay Beach. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun.

Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 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 Shanghai or Railay Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Railay Beach. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Shanghai can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Shanghai is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Railay Beach this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Railay Beach. Shanghai gets 39 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 Shanghai or Railay Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Railay Beach. The spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.

In April, Shanghai is generally much colder than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Railay Beach. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 249 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Railay Beach. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 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 Shanghai