Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou 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.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Guangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesGuangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $75Guangzhou $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $75, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $111. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Guangzhou $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Guangzhou $124
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $18Guangzhou $15
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$2.24
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Gas for Scooter$1.19
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Airport Taxi$13
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $21
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Koh Tao: $25
- Full Moon Party by Speed Boat Transfer from Koh Samui: $34
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $59
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $34
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $17
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $60
- Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Small-Group Transfers from Koh Samui: $50
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Hassle Free Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $51
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $49
- Koh Samui Airport Private Arrival or Departure Minivan Transfer: $40
- Koh Samui Airport to Hotel Transfer – Arrival & Departure: $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Duty Free Shopping Day Tour with Private Transfer: $200
- Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers in English-speaking Services: $197
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
- Zhuhai City Private Arrival Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Int'l Airport: $108
- Guangzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $102
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Shenzhen private Transfer service.: $100
- Guangzhou Private Airport Transfer & Arrival Assistance: $99
- Fast Train Ticket from Guangzhou to Hong Kong with Station Transfer in Guanghou: $95
- Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
- 1-Day Round-Trip Private Transfer to Gulong Gorge | Door-to-Door: $89
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou APT-HTL (CAN): $80
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $37Guangzhou $36
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)$6.42
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:
- Koh Samui Local Market Hin Ta Hin Yai and Beach Dinner: $36
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $58
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $68
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $70
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $77
- Idyllic Half Day Sunset Cruise and Dinner in Koh Samui: $77
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $80
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $83
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Private Cantonese Cooking Consultation and Custom Menu Planning: $19
- Guangzhou Local Life Street Food Tour Hidden Spots and Markets: $39
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
- Guangzhou Evening Walk: Canton Tower, Pearl River Cruise & Dinner: $140
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $11Guangzhou $19
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui Class@13:30 pm.: $2.29
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.64
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui: $17
- Koh Samui Paris Follies Cabaret Spectacular Evening Show Ticket: $18
- Paris Follies Cabaret Evening Entertainment Ticket from Koh Samui: $19
- Create Your Own Crystal Aroma Oil Ritual Experience: $20
- Top Sights of Samui City Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Chaweng Beach Nightlife Walking Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island: $26
- Koh Samui High-Speed Go Karting Adventure: $27
- Scenic Half Day Island Highlights Tour in Koh Samui: $29
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $29
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Relaxing Exploring Tour in Guangzhou: $156
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
- 7-Hour Customised Private Guangzhou Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $180
- 8-Hour Guangzhou Private CityTour with Canton Tower and Top Sites: $194
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou: $229
- Ancient Foshan Day Tour from Guangzhou: $201
- Bruce Lee Hometown Martial Art Culture Lion Dance Private Tour: $250
- Canton Tower Observatory Ticket with Pearl River Night Cruise: $58
- Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise Guangzhou Private Night Tour: $200
- Chimelong Circus Ticket with Hotel Round Trip Private Transport: $260
- China Education Culture University Campus Guangzhou Private Tour: $153
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.07Guangzhou $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Guangzhou. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Guangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Guangzhou. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
In October, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Koh Samui during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Koh Samui is much warmer than Guangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Guangzhou. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
In the spring, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.