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

Should you visit Koh Samet or Wollongong?

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

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

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?

Wollongong

Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samet and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.

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

Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Wollongong. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Koh Samet is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samet in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the summer, Koh Samet often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 27°C (81°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during autumn. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

Koh Samet is much warmer than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

In Wollongong, 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 Wollongongin July. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Wollongongin July. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Also, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Koh Samet is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samet in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Koh Samet, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong during spring. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Koh Samet