A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samet vs. Nagano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Samet or Nagano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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?

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

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 Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Koh Samet?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $90. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samet $32
    Nagano $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samet $64
    Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Nagano? 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.

Hotels in Koh Samet


Hotels in Nagano


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 Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samet $68
    Nagano $9.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 day
    Koh Samet $27
    Nagano $22

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samet $8.96
    Nagano $8.16

Tours and Activities in Nagano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.

  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
  • Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samet $4.68
    Nagano -


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samet and Nagano, 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 Nagano Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Nagano?

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Nagano. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Samet is a little warmer than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Samet 28°C (82°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano 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. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Koh Samet is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during autumn. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Samet 27°C (81°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Samet. In the winter, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Samet 25°C (77°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Koh Samet is much warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Koh Samet, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during spring. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Samet 29°C (84°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Koh Samet

Koh Samet Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)


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