Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao or Zhengzhou?
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 Zhengzhou or Koh Tao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Koh Tao can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Koh Tao?
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Zhengzhou Prices
China PricesKoh Tao Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $65Koh Tao $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $50. 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 Zhengzhou and Koh Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $21Koh Tao $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $42Koh Tao $32
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Koh Tao? 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 Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhengzhou $14Koh Tao $9.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
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Motorbike Rental$5.97
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Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$20
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao and Zhengzhou 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 dayZhengzhou $36Koh Tao $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Typical Food Prices in Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
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Sit Down Lunch (for One)$6.28
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Breakfast$4.71
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Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.77
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$15
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Pancake$2.20
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American Breakfast (for Two)$8.79
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Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$8.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao : $51
- Memorable Thai Cooking Class with Stunning View from Koh Tao : $55
- Private Thai Cooking Class at Rooftop Kitchen on Koh Tao: $208
- Koh Tao Private Rooftop Thai Cooking Class with Scenic View: $222
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhengzhou $5.03Koh Tao $30
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- All-Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour: $251
- Beijing: Shaolin Temple Day Tour by Round Trip Bullet Train: $398
- Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental (One Hour)$7.85
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Snorkel Rental$3.14
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Kayak and Snorkel (2)$3.14
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $24
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $24
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $27
- Snorkelling Trip 5 Island Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nang yuan: $27
- Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $27
- No Rush Morning & Afternoon 5 Stop Snorkeling tour for Koh Tao: $27
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $27
- Koh Tao Top Crystal Clear Snorkeling Day Tour by Big Boat : $27
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $29
- Koh Tao's First Light Snorkel Adventure with Oxygen Tours: $32
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $37
- CocoTipAdventures and Snorkel with Meals-BBQs-Cocktail-Sunset: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $4.04Koh Tao $8.22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
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Beer$2.04
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Bottle of Wine$12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Koh Tao, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou than you might in Koh Tao.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Koh Tao?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 1460 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Koh Tao, 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 Zhengzhou or Koh Tao?
Zhengzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Koh Tao in the Summer?
Both Koh Tao and Zhengzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.
In the summer, Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhengzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).
It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. In the summer, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.
Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in July than Koh Tao. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhengzhou 28°C (83°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Koh Tao. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Zhengzhou is generally cooler than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during autumn. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Koh Tao in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Koh Tao. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
Zhengzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Zhengzhou is much colder than Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In the winter, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.
Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhengzhou 1°C (34°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Koh Tao in the Spring?
Both Koh Tao and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Zhengzhou is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhengzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Zhengzhou
| Zhengzhou | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.