Which place is cheaper, Hong Kong or Koh Samet?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Koh Samet or Hong Kong?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Hong Kong, 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 Hong Kong?
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?
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong you will find a predominantly Cantonese population that has long been influenced by British occupation. Most residents speak English and you can see the obvious effects of years of capitalism. Shopping malls are everywhere and most are thriving. Along the waterfront every night the buildings light up in a dramatic and festive light show that highlights such businesses as Sony and Canon, which are fixtures in the city. The city is a major financial hub, and is very international in nature. The city itself is very densely packed and there are narrow high rises that look vulnerable due to their height. There are two main areas to the city, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the location of the original British settlement. Today it is where you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most modern buildings, and the most popular shopping areas. Kowloon is located on a peninsula that is to the north of Hong Kong Island. The tip of the peninsula is a popular destination for backpackers as it has many of the city's hostels. This area is referred to as Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also a few high end hotels in the area. It is possible to head outside of the city so that you can escape into some rural regions where you can take a break from the crowds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samet $96Hong Kong $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, while the average daily cost in Hong Kong is $159. 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 Hong Kong in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $32Hong Kong $75
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $64Hong Kong $150
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Hong Kong
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Hong Kong? 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 Hong Kong Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $68Hong Kong $8.70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:
-
MTR (for 2)$2.81
-
Local Bus$2.81
-
Ferry Ticket$0.26
-
Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket$14
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Hong Kong?
Prices for flights to both Hong Kong 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 $27Hong Kong $33
Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner for 2$11
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $8.96Hong Kong $95
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Peak Tram$7.66
-
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong$24
Tours and Activities in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure: $110
- Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure: $115
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $4.68Hong Kong $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Hong Kong, we can see that Hong Kong is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samet much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samet would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samet 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong than you might in Koh Samet.
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 Hong Kong Expensive?.
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.