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

Should you visit Koh Samet or Torquay?

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

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

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?

Torquay

Located on the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a seaside town of Victoria famous for its surfing and beaches. Surf town through and through, it is also the headquarters for the Quiksilver and Rip Curl surf gear companies, and home to the Rip Curl Easter Pro, the world's longest running surf contest held on Bells 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Torquay 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 Torquay is $106. 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 Torquay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samet $37
    Torquay $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samet $74
    Torquay $78
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Torquay

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Torquay? 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 Torquay


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samet $79
    Torquay $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Torquay?

Prices for flights to both Torquay 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
    Torquay $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samet $10
    Torquay $11

Tours and Activities in Torquay

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

  • Sunset Twilight Cruise in Hervey Bay: $37
  • Twilight Bay Cruise in Hervey Bay: $37
  • SUMMER K'gari (Fraser Island) Boom-net & Sightseeing Cruise: $40
  • Experience History onboard The Mary Valley Rattler: $46
  • Morning Farm Experience near Gympie & Noosa: $59
  • Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns: $59
  • Hervey Bay Sunset Cruise: $64
  • Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure: $74
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience: $99
  • Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $104
  • Enjoy a VIP Booth Shared Experience From Gympie: $106
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay: $107

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samet $5.38
    Torquay $7.48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Torquay, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Torquay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Samet is in Asia and Torquay is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Torquay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Torquay 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 Torquay.

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 Torquay Expensive?.



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

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Torquay. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Torquay in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Torquay. Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Torquayin January. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Koh Samet 28°C (82°F) 
    Torquay 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Torquay in the Autumn?

Both Torquay 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 travelers come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Koh Samet is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Torquay averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Torquayin April. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Koh Samet 27°C (81°F) 
    Torquay 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay 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. Also, many visitors come to Torquay in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Torquayin July. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Torquayin July. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Koh Samet 25°C (77°F) 
    Torquay 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Torquay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Also, most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Koh Samet is a little warmer than Torquay in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F)in October.

In April, Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of rain as Torquayin October. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Koh Samet 29°C (84°F) 
    Torquay 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Torquay and Koh Samet

Koh Samet Torquay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)


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