Which place is cheaper, Khao Sok National Park or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Khao Sok National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Sok National Park? 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 Khao Sok National Park?
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.
Khao Sok National Park
In the south of Thailand, visitors will find a gorgeous getaway of pure nature. The Khao Sok National Park is a jungle reserve that covers over 700 square kilometers, and described as one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the country.
Many say this jungle is over 160 million years old making it one of the world's oldest rainforests. The lush environment of limestone, waterfalls and thickets of vegetation will make any wanderer eager to discover more. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, boars, gaurs, tapirs, gibbons, deer, marbled cats, wild elephants and more. Look to the sky for over 300 species of bird and 38 different types of bats.
You'll find the best time to book is from December to April, better known as the dry season. From June to October there is significantly more rain and the threat of monsoons. Not only does it rain on your parade, but also it causes the leeches to emerge.
To enter the park is a 300 baht fee for foreigners, 150 for children, and 40 for Thai citizens. If someone tries to sell you a ticket for more than that, simply buy one at the park entrance. When planning your stay remember that your entrance fee is only valid for 24 hours. If you're staying multiple days, you'll need to pay up front. Often if you're with a tour, the entrance fee is included in the tour price, but you should inquire about this to make sure.
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 Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Khao Sok National Park $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Khao Sok National Park is $88. 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 Khao Sok National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Khao Sok National Park $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Khao Sok National Park $44
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Khao Sok National Park
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Khao Sok National Park? 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 $17Khao Sok National Park $64
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) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $12
- Koh Samui Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer : Koh Samui Airport Arrival to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
- 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: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Khao Sok National Park?
Prices for flights to both Khao Sok National Park 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 $19Khao Sok National Park $26
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: $44
- 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: $68
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $70
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $72
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $73
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $81
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $89
- Koh Samui Private Half Day Cooking Class: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Khao Sok National Park $28
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Top Sights of Samui City Tour: $22
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $22
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $24
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $25
- 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
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $31
- Original Discovery Tour: $31
- Travstore Original Samui Discovery-Shared Half Day City Tour: $32
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour By Big Boat From Koh Samui: $32
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Khao Sok National Park $5.65
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: $299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Khao Sok National Park, we can see that Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Khao Sok National Park?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?
Both Khao Sok National Park 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Sok National Park year-round.
Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Samui is cooler than Khao Sok National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Khao Sok National Park 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Sok National Park in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Khao Sok National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Khao Sok National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Khao Sok National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is cooler than Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Khao Sok National Park 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Sok National Park in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Khao Sok National Park. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Khao Sok National Park. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Khao Sok National Park 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Sok National Park in the Spring?
Both Khao Sok National Park 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. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Koh Samui is cooler than Khao Sok National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Khao Sok National Park 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Khao Sok National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.