Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi. 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 Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Koh Phi Phi $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $15Koh Phi Phi $7.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
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Longboat Taxi$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi $23
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 Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.88
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Sit Down Lunch$11
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Casual Lunch$6.59
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Coconut Donut$0.31
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
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Sit Down Dinner$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Koh Phi Phi $52
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
- 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR！: $272
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
- 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
- 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $215
- 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
- 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
- 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Activities In & Around Phuket: Full Day Customizable Tour : $110
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $184
- Banana Beach Premium: Shared Tour: $137
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $65
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Half Day Rainforest and Waterfall Tour in Thailand: $99
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $110
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Maya Bay Sleep aboard Tour From Phi Phi: $143
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Koh Phi Phi $6.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$16
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Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Zhangjiajie much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhangjiajie would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhangjiajie 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 Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi than you might in Zhangjiajie.
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 Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Koh Phi Phi?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Phi Phi?
Zhangjiajie has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Zhangjiajie during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
In the autumn, Zhangjiajie is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhangjiajie in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zhangjiajie is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 5°C (42°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Zhangjiajie is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.