Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Koh Samet?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samet or Hangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
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?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samet $96Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $32Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $64Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Hangzhou? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $68Hangzhou $8.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Hangzhou downtown city one way private transfer: $35
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Safari Park and City Hotels: $37
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from City hotels: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $27Hangzhou $18
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $8.96Hangzhou $20
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
- Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
- Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- Genuine West Lake and Tea Experience with Locals: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $4.68Hangzhou $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Hangzhou, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
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 Hangzhou Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round.
Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Hangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Hangzhou 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 more rain than Hangzhou. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Hangzhou. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Koh Samet is a little warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in October than Hangzhou. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Hangzhou in the Winter?
Both Hangzhou 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.
The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In January, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Hangzhou in the Spring?
Both Hangzhou 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.
Koh Samet is much warmer than Hangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.