Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesHangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $77Hangzhou $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $77, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Hangzhou $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Hangzhou $50
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Hangzhou? 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 $19Hangzhou $8.69
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$2.30
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Gas for Scooter$1.23
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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$3.68
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: $112
- Angthong Catamaran Tour from Koh Samui with Lunch and Transfers: $78
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $21
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Koh Tao: $26
- Full Moon Party by Speed Boat Transfer from Koh Samui: $35
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $49
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $36
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $61
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Hassle Free Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $52
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $56
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $138
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- 2-Day Private Tour with Lunch and Airport Transfer: $459
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $274
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer: $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
- Private Transfer to Qiandao Lake from Hangzhou: $135
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake: $131
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $38Hangzhou $33
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)$6.60
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:
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $60
- 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: $80
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $82
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $82
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $85
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $86
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $107
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $110
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.51
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Pizza Hut Lunch$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Hangzhou $21
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.: $2.35
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.05
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui: $14
- Koh Samui Paris Follies Cabaret Spectacular Evening Show Ticket: $19
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Koh Samui Half Day Island Guided Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Chaweng Beach Nightlife Walking Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island: $25
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $30
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Private Tea plantation tour in Hangzhou China: $125
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $131
- 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park including Fishing experience: $205
- A Relaxing One Day Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- AI Robot Experience Tour in Hangzhou with West Lake Cruise: $221
- All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour: $150
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.21Hangzhou $11
When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Hangzhou. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Hangzhou. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Hangzhou 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.
Koh Samui is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 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)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Hangzhou in the Winter?
Both Hangzhou 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.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hangzhou. In the winter, Koh Samui is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 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)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Hangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
In April, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 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.