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

Should you visit Koh Samet or Nha Trang?

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

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

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?

Nha Trang

For the relaxation of a small beach town, plus the energy of a young city, consider Nha Trang, Vietnam. As the most famous seaside town in Vietnam, Nha Trang is certainly livelier than many other beach resort towns. Visiting this part of Vietnam is not for the faint of heart. These people know the meaning of nightlife - and make the night last as long as they can.

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 from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi.


Which place is cheaper, Nha Trang or Koh Samet?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $97, while the average daily cost in Nha Trang is $40. 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 Nha Trang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samet $32
    Nha Trang $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samet $64
    Nha Trang $26
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Nha Trang

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Nha Trang? 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 Nha Trang


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 Nha Trang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samet $69
    Nha Trang $14

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nha Trang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nha Trang:


  • Local Bus Ticket
    $0.12
  • Taxi From Airport
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nha Trang

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

  • Nha Trang airport transfer : $9.00
  • NHA TRANG : Cam Ranh Airport Private Transfer: $17
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cam Ranh APT-HTL (CXR): $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang City Hotels: $19
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center - Cau Da Port: $19
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang Train Station - Nha Trang Center: $19
  • Cam Ranh Airport - Airport Transportation - Private Transfer: $20
  • Nha Trang to Golden Peak Resort - Private Transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center to Cau Da/Vinpearl Port: $20
  • Nha Trang to Vinpearl Resort & Spa Long Beach - Private Transfer: $20
  • Nha Trang to Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort - Private Transfer: $20
  • Nha Trang to Swandor Resort - Private Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Nha Trang?

Prices for flights to both Nha Trang 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 $28
    Nha Trang $15

Typical Food Prices in Nha Trang

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Nha Trang:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nha Trang

For Nha Trang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nha Trang Private Street Food Tour By Motobike: $50
  • Nha Trang Cooking Class: $67
  • Viet Garden Cooking Class (Countryside and Market tour): $75
  • Nha Trang Sunset Cocktails and Dinner Cruise: $85
  • Nha Trang Half-Day Cooking Class: $85
  • Countryside Private Cooking Class: $89
  • Romantic Sunset Cocktails and Dinner Cruise: $90
  • Watching Stunning Sunset with Cocktail and Dinner on Luxury Cruise : $92
  • Private Half-Day Cooking Class in Nha Trang with Pick Up: $97
  • Day Cruise Or Sunset Dinner Cruise on The Sea: $100
  • Cruise tour and dinner at luxurious Nha Trang Bay: $109
  • Biking and Cooking in Rural Nha Trang: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samet $9.06
    Nha Trang $9.62

Typical Entertainment Prices in Nha Trang

For Nha Trang, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Po Ngar Cham Entrance (for Two)
    $1.29
  • Two Rental Lounge Chairs on Beach
    $2.83
  • Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
    $18
  • Fairy Spring Waterfall Entrance
    $0.40
  • Thap Ba Mud Bath
    $4.04
  • Cyclo Tour of City (One Day)
    $10

Tours and Activities in Nha Trang

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

  • VinWonders Entry Ticket: $2.98
  • Nha Trang : Combo Monkey Island with Orchids Island Ticket: $18
  • Stand-up Paddleboard Sunset Tour: $20
  • Nha Trang Half Day Tour to Po Nagar and Long Son Pagoda: $22
  • City tour by Cyclo: $23
  • Nha Trang Island Hopping Tour Snorkeling and Floating Party: $24
  • Island Hopping Tour, Snorkeling & Floating Party: $24
  • Hoi An Impression Theme Park and Memories Show Tickets: $25
  • Snorkeling Tour at Coral Reef: $25
  • Amazing Snorkeling at Mun Island ( Group Tour ): $29
  • Nha Trang City Tour by Cyclo - half day small group tour: $30
  • Nha Trang Half Day Highlight Private City Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samet $4.73
    Nha Trang $19


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

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 Nha Trang Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Nha Trang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Nha Trang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Nha Trang. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang throughout the year.

Also, January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. September to December in Nha Trang is the rainy season. Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in July than Nha Trang. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Nha Trang in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nha Trang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Samet 28°C (82°F) 
    Nha Trang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Nha Trang in the Autumn?

Both Nha Trang 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. Plenty of visitors come to Nha Trang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Nha Trang is September to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nha Trang. It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Nha Trang. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Nha Trang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nha Trang averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Samet 27°C (81°F) 
    Nha Trang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Nha Trang in the Winter?

Both Nha Trang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round.

January to August is the dry season in Nha Trang. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Nha Trang. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Koh Samet is generally around the same temperature as Nha Trang. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Nha Trang fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Samet 25°C (77°F) 
    Nha Trang 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Nha Trang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Nha Trang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Nha Trang. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Nha Trang in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Nha Trang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Samet 29°C (84°F) 
    Nha Trang 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Nha Trang and Koh Samet

Koh Samet Nha Trang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 25°C (77°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)


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