Which place is cheaper, Picton or Koh Samet?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samet or Picton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Picton, 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 Picton?
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?
Picton
Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.
The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!
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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samet $96Picton $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, while the average daily cost in Picton is $87. 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 Picton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $32Picton $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $64Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Picton
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Picton? 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 Picton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $68Picton -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
- Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $46
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Picton?
Prices for flights to both Picton 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
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Food Meals for one dayKoh Samet $27Picton $20
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $8.96Picton $109
Tours and Activities in Picton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $15
- Picton Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Hinterland Cycling Tour, Havelock: $25
- Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $30
- Winery Express Tour: $39
- Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton: $52
- Kayaking Mangrove Adventure at Havelock: $56
- Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $57
- Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $58
- Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton: $58
- Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough: $60
- Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $4.68Picton $35
Sample the Local Flavors in Picton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:
- Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $37
- Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough : $40
- Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $53
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $54
- Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $70
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $87
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $88
- Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $90
- Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $91
- Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $97
- Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $100
- Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $109
When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samet and Picton, 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. Even though Koh Samet is in Asia and Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Picton?
Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?
Both Picton 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. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Koh Samet is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samet in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In July, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Picton 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Picton in the Autumn?
Both Picton 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.
In October, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 27°C (81°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Picton 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Picton in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Picton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Koh Samet is much warmer than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.
Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Pictonin July. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Picton 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Picton in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Picton. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Picton this time of year.
In the spring, Koh Samet is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samet in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.
Koh Samet usually gets less rain in April than Pictonin October. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Picton 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Picton and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Picton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
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.