Which place is cheaper, Chumphon or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Chumphon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Chumphon? 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 Chumphon?
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.
Chumphon
Sometimes tourism has a tendency to spoil the natural beauty of a place. This is not the case in the magical city of Chumphon, Thailand. As the gateway to the Chumphon Archipelago, this city has maintained natural, untouched beauty. Its miles of coastline are full of fine beaches with fishing, swimming and a number of other activities.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Chumphon $36
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Chumphon is $36. 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 Chumphon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Chumphon $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Chumphon $32
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Chumphon
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Chumphon? 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 and Chumphon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $17Chumphon $6.32
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: Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $12
- Samui: Angthong Marine Park Boat Tour w/ Transfer and Meals: $35
- Samui International Airport: Private Hotel Transfer: $33
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Private Transfer from Taling Ngam to Samui (USM) Airport: $63
- Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $63
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $46
- Private Transfer from Lamai to Samui (USM) Airport: $36
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui to Ko Samui Airport: $26
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Chumphon?
Prices for flights to both Chumphon 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 $19Chumphon $13
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: $44
- Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $51
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise by RED BARON: $61
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $68
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $70
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $72
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $89
Typical Food Prices in Chumphon
For Chumphon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Ice Cream$0.16
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Fruit at the Market$0.55
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Breakfast$1.09
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Chumphon $10
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 1 - 4 persons: $118
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $146
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $50
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $50
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $43
- zip line adventure on mountain (8 Platforms 1200 m.): $50
- 2 Day Halfmoon Festival Experience General Admission Pass: $70
- 2 Hours ATV Quad Bike Popular Tour From Koh Samui : $98
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $51
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $107
- 3 Night Hotel Package and 2 Day Experience at Halfmoon Festival: $285
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Chumphon $11
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: $297
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chumphon
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chumphon are as follows:
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Beer (2)$3.82
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Chumphon, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Chumphon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chumphon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chumphon 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 Chumphon.
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 Chumphon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Chumphon?
Chumphon has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Chumphon, 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 Chumphon?
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 Chumphon in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Chumphon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Chumphon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chumphon receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Chumphon. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Chumphon receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Chumphon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Chumphon averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Chumphon 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Chumphon in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Chumphon. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chumphon throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Chumphon. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in October than Chumphon. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Chumphon receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Chumphon. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Chumphon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Chumphon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Chumphon in the Winter?
Both Chumphon and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Chumphon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. In January, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Chumphon. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chumphon receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Koh Samui is cooler than Chumphon in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Chumphon fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Chumphon 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Chumphon in the Spring?
Both Chumphon and Koh Samui during the spring 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 Chumphon year-round.
Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Chumphon. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chumphon receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Koh Samui is cooler than Chumphon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Chumphon averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Chumphon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Chumphon and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Chumphon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.