Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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 $17Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $9.99
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:
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $12
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $15
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Koh Samui Airport by Car: $20
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $25
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
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Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.59
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 $19Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19
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 $10Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $23
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $23
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $24
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $27
- Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option: $29
- Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $30
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$63
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Two Cable Car Passes$22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15
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 comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Samui during the summer 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 cooler than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is a little warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 19°C (65°F).
Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In January, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
Koh Samui is a little warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.