Which place is cheaper, Khao Yai 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 Yai National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Yai 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 Yai 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 Yai National Park
Adventurous travelers are always in search of new terrain to conquer. At over 2,000 square kilometers, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's second largest national park, and just full of jungles to trek through. In the southwest of Thailand is a sanctuary of mountains and waterfalls.
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 Yai National Park $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Khao Yai National Park is $62. 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 Yai National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Khao Yai National Park $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Khao Yai National Park $72
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Khao Yai National Park
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Khao Yai 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 Yai National Park $14
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:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $147
- Samui: Angthong Marine Park Boat Tour w/ Transfer and Meals: $35
- Samui International Airport: Private Hotel Transfer: $32
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $63
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $46
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $63
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Lamai : $36
- Private Transfer from Lamai to Samui (USM) Airport: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Khao Yai National Park?
Prices for flights to both Khao Yai 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 Yai National Park $17
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
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise by RED BARON: $60
- 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: $69
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $72
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $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 $10Khao Yai National Park $8.77
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 1 - 4 persons: $118
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $146
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $50
- Koh Samui Nauti Ark Bar Boat Party Cruise: $97
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $49
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $43
- zip line adventure on mountain (8 Platforms 1200 m.): $50
- 2 Day Halfmoon Festival Experience General Admission Pass: $70
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $46
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $51
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $107
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Khao Yai National Park $11
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: $296
When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Khao Yai National Park, we can see that Khao Yai National Park 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 Khao Yai National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Khao Yai National Park?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Yai National Park in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Khao Yai National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Khao Yai National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Yai National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Khao Yai National Park. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 315 mm (12.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Yai National Park in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Khao Yai National Park. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Yai National Park throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Khao Yai National Park. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Khao Yai National Park. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Khao Yai National Park. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Khao Yai National Park 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Yai National Park in the Winter?
Both Khao Yai National Park and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Yai National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Park. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Koh Samui is cooler than Khao Yai National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Yai National Park in the Spring?
Both Khao Yai National Park and Koh Samui during the spring 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 Yai National Park year-round.
Khao Yai National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Khao Yai National Park. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 128 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Koh Samui is cooler than Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 30°C (87°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Khao Yai National Park 30°C (87°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Khao Yai National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 225 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 277 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 315 mm (12.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 385 mm (15.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.