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

Should you visit Koh Samet or Noosa Heads?

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

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

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?

Noosa Heads

A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads or Koh Samet?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $133, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $135. 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 Noosa Heads in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samet $37
    Noosa Heads $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samet $74
    Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Noosa Heads

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads


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 Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samet $79
    Noosa Heads $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads

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

  • Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast & Noosa : $32
  • Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa and Sunshine Coast: $91
  • Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $91
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (2pax): $97
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $238
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 13 pax: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Noosa Heads?

Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads 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 $54
    Noosa Heads $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads

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

  • Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samet $10
    Noosa Heads $40

Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads

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


  • Surf Lesson
    $43
  • Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)
    $85
  • Sunset Cruise (for 2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads

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

  • Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise River: $22
  • 1 Hour Tour Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise: $24
  • The Original 1-Hour Mooloolaba Canal Cruise: $24
  • SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium Entrance Ticket: $26
  • Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket: $32
  • Sunset Cruise Mooloolaba: $33
  • Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $34
  • The Ginger Factory Play, Taste & Discover Bundle Experience: $36
  • Stillwater Luxury Noosa Sunset Cruise : $37
  • Noosa Stand Up Paddle & Mangrove Tunnel Tour (Self Guided): $39
  • Seafood Lunch Cruise: $46
  • Sunshine Coast Adventure Park TreeTop Challenge: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samet $5.38
    Noosa Heads $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads

Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl Sippin on Sunshine: $15
  • Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $164
  • Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $188


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samet and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads 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. Even though Koh Samet is in Asia and Noosa Heads is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Noosa Heads. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Samet is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in July than Noosa Headsin January. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Koh Samet 28°C (82°F) 
    Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

Both Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Koh Samet is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (58°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin April. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Koh Samet 27°C (81°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

Both Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin July. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Noosa Headsin July. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Koh Samet 25°C (77°F) 
    Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Noosa Heads. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Koh Samet is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

In April, Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of rain as Noosa Headsin October. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Koh Samet 29°C (84°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Koh Samet

Koh Samet Noosa Heads
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 16°C (61°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)