A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samet vs. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Samet or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

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?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.

Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.

The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.

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 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).

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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?

Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year.

In the summer, Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samet in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 29°C (85°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In July, Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of rain as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?

Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Samet during the autumn 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 October, Koh Samet is generally a little warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 27°C (81°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in October than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round.

The weather in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold. Koh Samet is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Koh Samet is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samet in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samet usually gets less rain in April than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Samet