A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Samui vs. Chiang Mai for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Samui or Chiang Mai?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Chiang Mai? 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 beautiful, tropical, and rainforest-covered resort island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a temple-filled, laid-back, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Koh Samui and Chiang Mai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Chiang Mai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Koh Samui, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chiang Mai is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Samui is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Koh Samui is well known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Chiang Mai is well known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

How is Koh Samui different from Chiang Mai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chiang Mai has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Samui or Chiang Mai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Chiang Mai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Koh Samui makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Koh Samui or Chiang Mai Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

People head to Koh Samui just to party. 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.

Chiang Mai offers plenty to do in the evening. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

Is Koh Samui or Chiang Mai Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Koh Samui for its luxury resorts. 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.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Samui or Chiang Mai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Chiang Mai Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Koh Samui offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Chiang Mai Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Chiang Mai. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Samui or Chiang Mai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for hiking. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

Koh Samui is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai specifically to go shopping. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

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 Chiang Mai Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Chiang Mai.

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.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

Is Koh Samui or Chiang Mai Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Chiang Mai make for a superb 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.

Chiang Mai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

Is Koh Samui or Chiang Mai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Chiang Mai, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

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

Koh Samui and Chiang Mai both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Chiang Mai has a few public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Is Koh Samui or Chiang Mai a more walkable city?

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

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable city. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

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 Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chiang Mai or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Chiang Mai?

Both Koh Samui and Chiang Mai have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Chiang Mai has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chiang Mai than Koh Samui. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 2-7 days is enough time in Chiang Mai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Koh Samui 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 Chiang Mai.

One day in Koh Samui or Chiang Mai?

With shopping and nightlife around the rainforest-covered resort island of Koh Samui, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Chiang Mai?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Samui, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Chiang Mai?

Koh Samui, a popular resort island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this resort island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Koh Samui or Chiang Mai?

Koh Samui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this resort island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this resort island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Chiang Mai, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui than you might in Chiang Mai.

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 Chiang Mai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Chiang Mai, 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 Chiang Mai?

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 Chiang Mai in the Summer?

Both Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Chiang Mai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 30°C (86°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?

Both Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai year-round.

December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai 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 more rain in October than Chiang Mai. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Chiang Mai in the Winter?

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

December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Chiang Mai in the Spring?

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

June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in April than Chiang Mai. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Koh Samui is cooler than Chiang Mai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 31°C (88°F).

Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Koh Samui