Which place is cheaper, Guilin 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 Guilin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Guilin? 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 Guilin?
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.
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesGuilin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $79Guilin $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $84. 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 Guilin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Guilin $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Guilin
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Guilin? 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 $19Guilin $5.85
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$2.36
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Gas for Scooter$1.26
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Airport Taxi$14
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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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:
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $127
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $22
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Ko Pha-ngan: $15
- Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan Transfer Painting and Party: $49
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $46
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $50
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $81
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $36
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $18
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer : $50
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
- Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
- Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
- Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
- 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Guilin?
Prices for flights to both Guilin 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 $39Guilin $39
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)$6.75
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
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $79
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $82
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $82
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $82
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $108
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $113
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $122
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $122
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Guilin $28
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: $2.39
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.97
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui : $18
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $27
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- High Speed Karting Fun Adventure at EasyKart from Koh Samui: $29
- Koh Samui City & Temples Tour with Na Muang Waterfall: $29
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $30
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
- 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
- 1 Day Guilin Sanjiang Tour to Dong Villages: $169
- 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
- 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure: $72
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
- 1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking: $198
- 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
- 1 Day Relaxing Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Private Tour: $205
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.33Guilin $5.81
When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Guilin, we can see that Guilin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Guilin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Guilin?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Guilin, 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 Guilin?
Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Guilin. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Guilin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Guilin averages at about 30°C (86°F).
It's quite rainy in Guilin. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Guilin. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Guilin 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Guilin in the Autumn?
Both Guilin 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 Guilin. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Guilin. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 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)Guilin 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Guilin in the Winter?
Both Guilin 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 Guilin in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Guilin. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 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)Guilin 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Guilin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
In the spring, Koh Samui is a little warmer than Guilin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Guilin averages at about 20°C (68°F).
Guilin receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Guilin. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Guilin 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Guilin and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Guilin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.