Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Dalian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Dalian? 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 Dalian?
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.
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
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 $55Dalian $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $103. 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 Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Dalian $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Dalian $108
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Dalian? 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 $17Dalian $41
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:
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $110
- Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers: $81
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Cruise Port to Ko Samui Hotels: $74
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $71
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Airport Koh Samui by Minivan: $69
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $67
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $67
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $66
- Full Moon Party Speedboat Round Trip Transfer: $55
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $46
- Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $19Dalian $27
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 $10Dalian $4.78
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: $117
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $145
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $50
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $49
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $43
- 2 Day Halfmoon Festival Experience General Admission Pass: $70
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $46
- 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: $284
- 3.5-Hours ATV Adventure in the Jungle of Koh Phangan: $160
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Dalian $6.31
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 Dalian, we can see that Dalian 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Dalian?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Dalian, 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 Dalian?
Dalian 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 Dalian in the Summer?
Both Dalian 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.
Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Dalian in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dalian. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Dalian. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Dalian in the Autumn?
Both Dalian 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.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Dalian averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Dalian. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Dalian in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Dalian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
Dalian can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Dalian. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Dalian in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Dalian. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Samui is much warmer than Dalian in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Koh Samui usually gets more rain in April than Dalian. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.