Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Koh Samet?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samet or Chiang Mai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Chiang Mai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Koh Samet or Chiang Mai?
Koh Samet
The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samet $96Chiang Mai $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $45. 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 Koh Samet and Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $32Chiang Mai $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $64Chiang Mai $52
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Chiang Mai? 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 Samet Hotel Prices and Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $68Chiang Mai $3.63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Chiang Mai APT-HTL(CNX): $5.30
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $5.30
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer to Hotel Or From Hotel To Airport : $5.39
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way) : $7.47
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Departure Transfers: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer: $14
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer : Chiang Mai International Airport (SHA Plus): $15
- Mae Ping River Cruise & Optional Transfer: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai and Koh Samet 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 dayKoh Samet $27Chiang Mai $10
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.32
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $24
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $25
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $8.96Chiang Mai $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.64
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Kratong Lessons$2.73
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Pedicure$4.09
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.91
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Scavenger Hunt City Tour for Your Smartphone: $7.65
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $14
- Tweechol Botanic Garden Half Day Adventure : $14
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
- Best seller!! Amazing Night tour, Doi Suthep + Wat umong - Top Must visit!: $18
- Historical and Cultural Highlights Walking Tour: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $4.68Chiang Mai $6.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Chiang Mai, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Samet would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samet than you might in Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samet Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Chiang Mai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Koh Samet or Chiang Mai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Chiang Mai. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in July than Chiang Mai. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun.
In July, Koh Samet is generally around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 28°C (82°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?
Both Chiang Mai and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during autumn. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Chiang Mai in the Winter?
Both Chiang Mai and Koh Samet during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Chiang Mai. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Samet. In the winter, Koh Samet often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samet in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 23°C (74°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Chiang Mai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. In April, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In Koh Samet, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during spring. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In April, Koh Samet is generally around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 29°C (84°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Chiang Mai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.