Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Koh Samet?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Koh Samet or Guangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
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?
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samet $96Guangzhou $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $32Guangzhou $57
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $64Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Guangzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $68Guangzhou $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
- Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Baiyun Airport : $53
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $68
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKoh Samet $27Guangzhou $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $8.96Guangzhou $18
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
- Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
- Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $4.68Guangzhou $14
When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samet and Guangzhou, we can see that Koh Samet 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 Koh Samet Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samet experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samet or Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round.
In July, Koh Samet is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 28°C (82°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Guangzhou this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Guangzhou during summer. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Guangzhou. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Samet is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
In the autumn, Koh Samet often gets less sunshine than Guangzhou. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun.
Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in October than Guangzhou. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year.
In the winter, Koh Samet is much warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samet in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 14°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during winter. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Guangzhou in the Spring?
Both Guangzhou and Koh Samet during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Koh Samet is generally a little warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 29°C (84°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Koh Samet. In the spring, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.