A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Can Tho for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Samui or Can Tho?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Can Tho? 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.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a rainforest-covered, lush, and laid back resort island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a fascinating, vibrant, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Samui and Can Tho: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Can Tho?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Can Tho are both popular with visitors, Koh Samui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Samui is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Can Tho is known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Samui is more touristy than Can Tho and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to The Big Buddha Temple. Can Tho is popular for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways.

How is Koh Samui different from Can Tho?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Can Tho and Koh Samui. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Samui or Can Tho?

Can Tho is a great city for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Can Tho offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Samui or Can Tho? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and Can Tho can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Koh Samui has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole in the wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not to be missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Can Tho makes for a great culinary experience. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

Is Koh Samui or Can Tho Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Koh Samui is a world class party destination. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Can Tho. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

Is Koh Samui or Can Tho Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Can Tho is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Koh Samui is a perfect choice. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Samui or Can Tho Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Koh Samui. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Can Tho Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Can Tho is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Samui is a very popular vacation destination. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Can Tho Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is great for hiking. However, Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Samui for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Can Tho?

Can Tho is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for shopping.

Many people travel to Can Tho specifically to go shopping. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

Koh Samui is a great destination for shopping. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

Is Koh Samui or Can Tho Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Can Tho.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Samui. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

Can Tho is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

Is Koh Samui or Can Tho Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Can Tho make for a great place to visit.

Koh Samui is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

Can Tho is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

Is Koh Samui or Can Tho Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Koh Samui and Can Tho are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Koh Samui. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Can Tho. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

Is Koh Samui or Can Tho Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Samui is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Can Tho is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Koh Samui offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Public transit is generally limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Is Koh Samui or Can Tho a more walkable city?

Can Tho is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable city. The city center is relatively walkable.

Koh Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? and Is Can Tho Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Can Tho or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Can Tho?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Samui or Can Tho to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Samui than Can Tho because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 1-2 days is enough time in Can Tho.

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Can Tho. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Koh Samui, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Samui than Can Tho. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Samui that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Samui than Can Tho if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Koh Samui.

One day in Koh Samui or Can Tho?

In Koh Samui, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Can Tho. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Can Tho has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Can Tho?

In Koh Samui, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the unique destination of Can Tho. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Can Tho?

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Samui has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the unique city of Can Tho. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Samui or Can Tho?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. In Koh Samui, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Can Tho is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Vietnam, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Can Tho, we can see that Can Tho 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Can Tho Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Can Tho?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Can Tho, 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 Can Tho?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Can Tho in the Summer?

Both Can Tho and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Can Tho. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Can Tho. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Can Tho fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Can Tho in the Autumn?

Both Can Tho and Koh Samui during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round.

December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Can Tho 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 October than Can Tho. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Samui is cooler than Can Tho in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Can Tho fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Can Tho in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Can Tho. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Can Tho. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Koh Samui is cooler than Can Tho. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Can Tho averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Can Tho in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Can Tho. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year.

Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Can Tho. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Can Tho. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Can Tho fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Can Tho and Koh Samui