A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhangye vs. Koh Phi Phi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangye 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 Zhangye 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: Zhangye or Koh Phi Phi?

Zhangye

Zhangye, China is a city in the Gansu Province in the central north part of the country, close to Mongolia. This ancient city has often been used as a military strong hold, having been the headquarters of General Huo among many others. Zhangye is a fabulous day trip city to visit when staying in larger nearby cities.

Zhangye is privy to beautiful summer weather, with lots of sunshine and temperatures in the high 70's Fahrenheit. The best times to visit are between July and September, when temperatures and sunshine are at their highest. Autumn, Winter, and Spring tend to be a little chillier and rainier.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Zhangye?

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 Zhangye is $105, 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 Zhangye and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangye $39
    Koh Phi Phi $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangye $78
    Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Zhangye and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Zhangye 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.

Hotels in Zhangye


Hotels in Koh Phi Phi


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangye $39
    Koh Phi Phi $7.93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangye

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhangye:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Zhangye Hotel to Zhangye Airport (YZY): $59
  • Private Airport Transfer: Zhangye Airport (YZY) to Zhangye Hotel: $59

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $17
  • 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:

  • Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29
  • Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangye or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Zhangye 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
    Zhangye $45
    Koh Phi Phi $23

Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.88
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $11
  • Casual Lunch
    $6.59
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.31
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $13
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangye $11
    Koh Phi Phi $52

Tours and Activities in Zhangye

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zhangye are as follows:

  • Private day tour to Zhangye Danxia Landform the Rainbow Mountain: $150
  • From 6-Day Private Photography Tour to Dunhuang: $1,099
  • Private Day Tour: Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes and Zhangye Danxia Landform: $299
  • Private Hiking Tour: Binggou Danxia and Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Zhangye: $299
  • Private Hiking Tour: Pingshanhu Grand Canyon and the Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes: $235
  • Private day tour to Zhangye Mati temple & Giant Buddha Temple start from Zhangye: $155
  • Zhangye Danxia Half Day tour: $195
  • Zhangye One Day City Tour: $77
  • Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Private Day Tour: $214
  • Danxia Geopark & Giant Buddha Private Day Tour: $246
  • Mati Temple Grottoes & Giant Buddha Temple Tour: $257

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 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.

  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
  • Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
  • Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
  • Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
  • Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
  • Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
  • Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangye $7.01
    Koh 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:


  • Mojito Bucket
    $16
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $6.28


When comparing the travel costs between Zhangye and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Zhangye 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 Zhangye Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zhangye or Koh Phi Phi?

Zhangye has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Zhangye 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.