Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo 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.
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Should you visit Koh Samet or Yangshuo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
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?
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
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 Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
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Koh Samet Prices
Thailand PricesYangshuo Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samet $133Yangshuo $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $133, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $86. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $37Yangshuo $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $74Yangshuo $52
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Yangshuo? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $79Yangshuo $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
- From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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 $54Yangshuo $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $10Yangshuo $24
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking : $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Ticket of Impression Sanjie Liu Show: $62
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $5.38Yangshuo $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Yangshuo, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo.
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 Yangshuo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Yangshuo. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Yangshuo in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in July than Yangshuo. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
Both Yangshuo 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.
In the autumn, Koh Samet is a little warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Yangshuo. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Yangshuo in the Winter?
Both Yangshuo 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.
In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Yangshuo. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Yangshuo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round.
Koh Samet is a little warmer than Yangshuo in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.