Koh Samui is a rainforest-covered resort island known for the Fisherman's Village, the Na Muang Waterfalls, and Ang Thong National Marine Park. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Koh Samui and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or scuba diving with your friends.
How much does it cost to travel to Koh Samui?
You should plan to spend around $73 (฿2,510) per day on your vacation in Koh Samui. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $36 (฿1,232) on meals
- $18 (฿612) on local transportation
- $49 (฿1,676) on hotels
A one week trip to Koh Samui for two people costs, on average, $1,027 (฿35,140). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$514
฿17,570
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,027
฿35,140
-
One Month
Per person
$2,201
฿75,300
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,027
฿35,140
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,054
฿70,280
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,402
฿150,600
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Koh Samui cost?
A one week trip to Koh Samui usually costs around $514 (฿17,570) for one person and $1,027 (฿35,140) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Koh Samui on average costs around $1,027 (฿35,140) for one person and $2,054 (฿70,280) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Koh Samui will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Koh Samui on average costs around $2,201 (฿75,300) for one person and $4,402 (฿150,600) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Koh Samui expensive to visit?
Koh Samui is a terrific resort island that captivates many with its charm, appealing to a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Koh Samui can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $30 (฿1,022) per day, mid-range travelers spend $73 (฿2,510) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $172 (฿5,896) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Koh Samui.
Within Asia, Koh Samui is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Qingdao or Jingdezhen.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Koh Samui Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Koh Samui?
The average Koh Samui trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Koh Samui travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Koh Samui cost?
Koh Samui on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$10
(฿343)
|
$24
(฿838)
|
$57
(฿1,941)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(฿244)
|
$18
(฿612)
|
$44
(฿1,511)
|
|
Food 2
|
$15
(฿501)
|
$36
(฿1,232)
|
$85
(฿2,913)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$5
(฿159)
|
$11
(฿385)
|
$25
(฿868)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-3
(฿36-107)
|
$2-7
(฿85-255)
|
$5-16
(฿186-558)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Koh Samui on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $30 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Fortunately, Koh Samui features plenty of hostels, including Chill Inn Lamai Hostel & Beach Cafe, Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach, and P & T Hostel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce. Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Koh Samui, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. When visiting Koh Samui, you'll want to see the Fisherman's Village, the Na Muang Waterfalls, or Ang Thong National Marine Park. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $73 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Koh Samui is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Sea Dance Resort is a solid choice for families, while Lanna also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Koh Samui here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $172. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the resort island means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Koh Tao 2-Dive Day Trip from Koh Samui for certified divers - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $109, but during peak winter season, they can average $203. Prices range from $20 to $922, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Koh Samui for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $49 (฿1,676). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $24 (฿838) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Koh Samui include:
- Bo Phut Resort & Spa starting at $95
- Prana Resorts Samui starting at $61
- Celes Beachfront Resort - Koh Samui starting at $73
- Sea Dance Resort starting at $71
- Lanna starting at $32
The effecient public transportation in Koh Samui allows for cheaper accommodations outside the resort island, but commuting might take a bite out of your travel budget and time.
As a family-friendly resort island, Koh Samui is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room.
This resort island features several resorts to explore. You may discover accommodations that include meals or at least breakfast, with many resorts boasting onsite dining.
Many visitors to Koh Samui stay for a week, and if you're staying for an extended period, a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you prepare your own meals.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during winter, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Koh Samui
In Koh Samui, the public transportation system covers key attractions. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island. If you want to save money and get around efficiently, public transit works well when it's near your stop. Taxis and rideshares are readily available across town, too.
Regrettably, a large portion of the resort island lacks walkability. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $18 (฿612) per person, per day, on local transportation in Koh Samui. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Koh Samui is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
฿612
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Roundtrip Transfer from Full Moon Party Koh Samui to Koh Phangan for $54 details
- Private round trip Transfers from Samui Airport for $35 details
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Airport Koh Samui by Minivan for $68 details
How much does it cost to go to Koh Samui? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Koh Samui will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Koh Samui, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
Food Budget in Koh Samui
You can't miss the fantastic food in Koh Samui. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole-in-the-wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not-to-be-missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Koh Samui can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Koh Samui is $36 (฿1,232) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$36
฿1,232
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Koh Samui is around $36 (฿1232) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $85. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Koh Samui are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $11 to $25
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Note that many restaurants use a dual-pricing system for locals and foreigners, so don't be surprised if your bill is higher than expected.
Food options from all over the world are available, for better or worse, to cater to the needs of tourists. It can be challenging to find truly authentic Thai cuisine on the island. Seafood is quite popular for obvious reasons.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Pack a picnic to save cash and enjoy the views. Find a local grocery store or market, gather some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.
Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Koh Samui. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family for $67 details
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa for $67 details
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer for $105 details
Below are some standard food costs in Koh Samui, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)
฿215
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Koh Samui
The reason people visit Koh Samui is clear, as it offers nightlife, resorts, beaches, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Koh Samui typically cost an average of $11 (฿385) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$11
฿385
Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:
- The Fisherman's Village (Free)
- The Na Muang Waterfalls (Free)
- Ang Thong National Marine Park for ฿200 ($6)
- The Secret Buddha Garden for ฿80 ($2)
- The Big Buddha (Free)
- Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (Free)
- Lamai Viewpoint for ฿200 ($6)
- Wat Plai Laem (Free)
The beaches are the primary source of entertainment on Koh Samui, as the water is clear and the sand is terrific. Various beaches can be found on the island, some crowded and some remote. Chaweng and Lamai are the most popular and crowded, catering towards younger backpackers. Nearby restaurants and shops offer food and services to the multitudes of foreign travelers. If you're looking for something quieter, look for Mae Nam or Choengman beaches on the north side.
A number of small temples (wats) and other religious structures can be found around the island, but many opt to do their historical and cultural tours in Bangkok or elsewhere in the country.
The island is also home to an aquarium, a tiger zoo, and a butterfly and insect museum. Monkey shows and an elephant camp are also located in the Bophut Beach area.
Scuba diving and other water sports such as snorkeling and boat trips are very popular due to the high number of smaller islands and reefs surrounding Koh Samui. Diving in nearby Ang Thong National Marine Sanctuary, although often crowded, is considered world class due to the clear, warm waters. Diving or snorkeling just off of Koh Samui is not a good due to murky waters. Dive shops and dive tour companies can be found around many of the touristy areas near beaches or in town.
Snorkeling and boat tours (for drinking, partying, or dining) are also common. Hostels and tour companies around town offer hiking and other outdoor trips into the hills and jungle as well.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
In Koh Samui, scuba diving remains a top choice for thrill-seekers. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.
Beaches:
People travel to Koh Samui in droves to relax on the stunning beaches. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.
Hiking:
The hiking around Koh Samui offers breathtaking views. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.
A nice way to explore destinations in Koh Samui is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Koh Tao VIP Snorkelling Tour for $167 details
- Sunrise Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Tour in Koh Samui for $44 details
- X Quad Samui ATV Tour (Driver+Passenger) with lunch for $204 details
Nightlife Budget in Koh Samui
The nightlife in Koh Samui is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $4.96 (฿170) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Koh Samui per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$4.96
฿170
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: Nov 5, 2024
Traveling in Koh Samui
Longtail Boats
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
Neighborhoods & Around
Although the main pier for ferries is on the west side of the island at Nathon beach, the main town is at the northeastern part of the island on a rough peninsula.
Just south of the main town, on the eastern shore is Chaweng Beach, the busiest and most crowded. South of Chaweng is Lamai, the next busiest beach area(the towns somewhat merge together). This section of the island is very developed and contains western restaurants such as pizza and Irish pubs to cater to tourists and partygoers. Expect a crowd.
Choeng Mon Beach is at the end of the northeastern peninsula, and also has easy access to hotels and shops.
Along the northern shore, leading west and away from the town, are Bophut Beach, Mae Nam beach (known to be quieter), and other stretches of developed shoreline at the base of various hills.
Nathon and Lipa Noi beaches cover the main part of the eastern side, and these stretches are also quite developed, but not as crowded as in the east. The southwestern corner and southern beaches are also developed and relatively quiet, with various resorts and amenities.
The interior of the island, although containing some roads, is mostly undeveloped. Most of the interior is parkland, although a few hotels and resorts can be found for those looking for a quiet retreat in the jungle with a view.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.
I found the food to be pretty cheap in most places, especially if you get away from the crowded spots. There are some good places in the Fishermans Village area that are delicious and not very expensive.