A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan? 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. Koh Samui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a laidback, tropical, and idyllic island. With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Koh Samui and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Not as many resort options


Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Gili Trawangan are both popular with visitors, Koh Samui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Samui is more popular for its resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Gili Trawangan is known for its museums and attractions and scuba diving & snorkeling. Koh Samui is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to The Big Buddha Temple. Gili Trawangan is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving.

How is Koh Samui different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Gili Trawangan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and Gili Trawangan 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, Gili Trawangan makes for a great culinary experience. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Is Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find world-class options in both Koh Samui and Gili Trawangan.

Koh Samui has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Gili Trawangan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

Is Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.


Is Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Gili Trawangan a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

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.

Is Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Koh Samui and Gili Trawangan are world-class choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Samui. 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.

With world-famous beaches, Gili Trawangan is a very popular vacation destination. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Is Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Koh Samui is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Samui. 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.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Koh Samui is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Koh Samui. 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.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Koh Samui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's laid back vibe and quintessential beach setting make this a wonderful holiday destination. It's the second largest island in Thailand and there are resorts, hotels, and restaurants for everyone.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Is Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan.

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.

Gili Trawangan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.


Is Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Gili Trawangan 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.

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place to visit for couples. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island 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 Gili Trawangan, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Koh Samui and Gili Trawangan both offer good 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.

Gili Trawangan has a few public transit options. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.


Is Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Koh Samui
Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a great island for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable destination. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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 Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Samui due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.


  • How many days in Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koh Samui 3-7 
    Gili Trawangan 2-4

One day in Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan?

In Koh Samui, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Gili Trawangan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Gili Trawangan?

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the tropical destination of Gili Trawangan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laidback island of Gili Trawangan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan?

In Koh Samui, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Gili Trawangan is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Gili Trawangan or Koh Samui?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, while the average daily cost in Gili Trawangan is $40. 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 Gili Trawangan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samui $26
    Gili Trawangan $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samui $52
    Gili Trawangan $46
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Gili Trawangan

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan? 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.

Hotels in Koh Samui


Hotels in Gili Trawangan


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 Gili Trawangan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samui $19
    Gili Trawangan $2.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:


  • Scooter Rental
    $2.36
  • Gas for Scooter
    $1.26
  • Airport Taxi
    $14
  • Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach
    $13
  • Minibus- Airport to Chaweng
    $3.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui

Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $171
  • Smooth Koh Phangan to Phuket Transfer by Catamaran and Bus : $54
  • Samui Zipline Adventure with Transfer service: $55
  • Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $9.00
  • Private round trip Transfers from Samui Airport : $38
  • Private Transfer from Taling Ngam to Samui (USM) Airport: $70
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $69
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Lamai : $39
  • Private Transfer from Mae Nam to Samui (USM) Airport: $69
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $18
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui hotels to Ko Samui Cruise Port: $19
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gili Trawangan

Also for Gili Trawangan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Gili Trawangan Luxury Speedboat Transfer to Bali: $24
  • Private Speedboat transfer Between Lombok and Gili Islands: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Gili Trawangan?

Prices for flights to both Gili Trawangan 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Samui $39
    Gili Trawangan $12
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.75

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:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
  • Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $80
  • Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $81
  • Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $82
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise by Red Baron In Koh Samui : $83
  • Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $83
  • Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $83
  • Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $83
  • Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $108
  • Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $115
  • Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $123

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gili Trawangan

For Gili Trawangan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Indonesian Food Cooking Class of Gili Air: $33
  • Learn to cook authentic Indonesian food at Gili Cooking Classes: $33
  • Gili Trawangan Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise with snorkeling: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samui $12
    Gili Trawangan $3.82

Tours and Activities in Koh Samui

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.

  • Koh Madsum (Pig island) and Koh Tan Day Tour from Koh Samui: $103
  • Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $99
  • Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $47
  • Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
  • Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $83
  • koh samui island and water fall tour: $50
  • 2 Hour ATV Jungle Tour In Koh Samui : $89
  • 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $48
  • 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $59
  • 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $123
  • 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $27
  • 4WD Buggy. Mountain Tour 3 hrs. for 1-2 people per Buggy in Samui: $252

Tours and Activities in Gili Trawangan

For Gili Trawangan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 4 Experiences in 1 • Half-day Snorkel & Lunch Catamaran Tour: $105
  • From Gili Islands Snorkeling Boat Tour: $15
  • From Lombok Beaches and Culture Tour: $84
  • Gili Air 1 Hour Horseback Beach Adventure: $46
  • Gili Hai 3 Islands BBQ Cruise: $83
  • Gili Hai 3 Islands BBQ Sunset Cruise: $83
  • Gili Islands Day Tour and Snorkeling at Turtle Points: $75
  • Gili Islands Snorkel Tour - Explore an Underwater Paradise: $16
  • Gili Islands: 4-in-1 Catamaran Snorkeling Experience: $106
  • Gili Meno Horse Riding Adventure on the Beach for 1 Hour: $42
  • Gili Trawangan 3 Island Half day Cruise with BBQ Lunch and Snorkeling : $91
  • Cycling Tour with Snorkeling and Viewpoint: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samui $5.33
    Gili Trawangan $3.53


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gili Trawangan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.

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 Gili Trawangan Expensive?.