Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Zhangjiajie?
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 Zhangjiajie or Koh Pha Ngan?
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 Zhangjiajie and Koh Pha Ngan. 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: Zhangjiajie or Koh Pha Ngan?
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
Koh Pha Ngan
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesKoh Pha Ngan Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Koh Pha Ngan $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $61. 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 Zhangjiajie and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Koh Pha Ngan $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Koh Pha Ngan $54
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Koh Pha Ngan? 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: Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $15Koh Pha Ngan $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$9.42
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Ferry Ride$16
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Gas for Scooter$3.45
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Zhangjiajie 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 dayZhangjiajie $36Koh Pha Ngan $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.26
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.26
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Ice Cream$0.63
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Juice$1.88
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3 Spring Rolls$0.94
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2 Pancakes$1.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Koh Pha Ngan $19
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Zhangjiajie Pandora Tour to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: $7.00
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket Booking: $16
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance Ticket Transportation: $42
- Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon Tickets Booking: $48
- Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 4 Days and 3 Nights Private Tour: $50
- Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 5 Days and 4 Nights Private Tour: $50
- Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip transport: $52
- Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
- Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Ticket Booking: $55
- One Day Mini Group Tour to Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain: $63
- Mini Group Tour: Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $66
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets Booking: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Koh Pha Ngan $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$8.16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Zhangjiajie is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Pha Ngan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Zhangjiajie would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhangjiajie than you might in Koh Pha Ngan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhangjiajie Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Koh Pha Ngan?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Zhangjiajie or Koh Pha Ngan?
Zhangjiajie has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Pha Ngan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Koh Pha Ngan. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
In July, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Zhangjiajie is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Zhangjiajie during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
In the winter, Zhangjiajie is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhangjiajie in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Zhangjiajie is generally cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.