Which place is cheaper, Benxi or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Benxi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Benxi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Koh Samui or Benxi?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
Benxi
Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Benxi $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Benxi is $94. 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 Samui and Benxi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Benxi $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Benxi $94
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Benxi
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Benxi? 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 Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $17Benxi $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $12
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $15
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Koh Samui Airport by Car: $20
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $25
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Benxi?
Prices for flights to both Benxi and Koh Samui 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 Samui $19Benxi $30
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $51
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $71
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Benxi $7.29
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $23
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $23
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $24
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $27
- Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option: $29
- Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $30
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Benxi $7.69
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Benxi, we can see that Benxi is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Benxi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Benxi than you might in Koh Samui.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Benxi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Benxi?
Benxi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Benxi, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Benxi?
Benxi has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samui experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Benxi in the Summer?
Both Benxi and Koh Samui during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Benxi. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
Benxi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Benxi. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Benxi 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Benxi in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Benxi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
Koh Samui is much warmer than Benxi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Benxi. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Benxi 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Benxi in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Benxi. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Benxi in the winter. In the winter, Koh Samui is much warmer than Benxi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Benxi averages at about -10°C (14°F).
Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Benxi. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Benxi -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Benxi in the Spring?
Both Benxi and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
In April, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In April, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Benxi. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Benxi 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Benxi and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Benxi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.