Should you visit Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Koh Pha Ngan
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
Which city is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $48, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $39. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $42 in Koh Samui For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Koh Pha Ngan's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $40. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is $20.
Food
On average, meal and food prices in Koh Samui cost around $17 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $6.80.
The average traveler spends about $8.91 per day in Koh Pha Ngan for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
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Food
Meals for one day
Koh Samui $17
Koh Pha Ngan $8.91
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)
$6.37
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:
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Thai Akha Kitchen Cooking Class & Local Market Tour:
$23
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Tom Yum Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$23
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Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class:
$25
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Siamese Cookery House Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok:
$26
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InFusion Cooking Classes in Koh Samui:
$26
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Sompong Thai Cooking Class:
$27
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Galangal Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$28
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Lanna Smile Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai:
$29
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Pum Thai Cooking Class in Patong Beach:
$31
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Thai Cooking Course Hua Hin:
$31
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Chocolate Cooking Class at SO Sofitel Bangkok:
$31
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Yanui Cape Sunset Catamaran Tour in Phuket with Dinner by We Love Andaman:
$31
Typical Food prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Pha Ngan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Koh Pha Ngan.
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Thai Akha Kitchen Cooking Class & Local Market Tour:
$23
-
Tom Yum Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$23
-
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class:
$25
-
Siamese Cookery House Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok:
$26
-
InFusion Cooking Classes in Koh Samui:
$26
-
Sompong Thai Cooking Class:
$27
-
Galangal Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$28
-
Lanna Smile Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai:
$29
-
Pum Thai Cooking Class in Patong Beach:
$31
-
Chocolate Cooking Class at SO Sofitel Bangkok:
$31
-
Thai Cooking Course Hua Hin:
$31
-
Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy:
$31
Local Transportation
Koh Samui's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $14 per person, per day on transportation in Koh Samui.
The cost of a taxi ride in Koh Pha Ngan is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $11 per person, per day, on local transportation in Koh Pha Ngan.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Krabi/Phuket Airport Transfers (KBV/HKT) for Krabi & More:
$15
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Private Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Phuket and Other Areas by Oriental Holiday:
$18
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7 Spa Luxury Spa Treatments in Pattaya with Round Trip Transfers:
$26
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Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer:
$87
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Kata Rocks Resort & Residences (8D7N) with free COE Application and Airport Transfers:
$2,321
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Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer:
$58
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Private Bangkok and Pattaya Airports Transfers (UTP, DMK or BKK) for Pattaya:
$31
-
Private Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Transfers for Chiang Mai by TTD:
$12
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Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai and More:
$16
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Private City Transfers between Ayutthaya and Bangkok by TTS:
$53
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Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya by TTS:
$53
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Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More:
$46
Typical Local Transportation prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental
$8.89
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Ferry Ride
$15
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Gas for Scooter
$3.26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Pha Ngan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Kata Rocks Resort & Residences (8D7N) with free COE Application and Airport Transfers:
$2,321
-
[Next Day Result] COVID-19 RT-PCR Test by Bangkok Hospital Phuket (Transfer Arranged by TTD):
$105
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Private City Transfers from Pattaya to Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samet & Koh Chang:
$78
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Private City Transfers between Hua Hin and Bangkok by TTS:
$76
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Private City Transfers between Hua Hin and Bangkok:
$73
-
Private City Transfers between Hat Yai and Pak Bara Pier:
$68
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Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya by TTS:
$53
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Private City Transfers between Ayutthaya and Bangkok by TTS:
$53
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Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More:
$46
-
Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More by TTD:
$43
-
Private Bangkok and Pattaya Airports Transfers (UTP, DMK or BKK) for Pattaya:
$31
-
7 Spa Luxury Spa Treatments in Pattaya with Round Trip Transfers:
$26
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Koh Samui can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $9.11 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Entertainment and activities in Koh Pha Ngan typically cost an average of $14 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
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SHOCK PRICE!! Only at THB10 for Airport Rail Link (ARL) Single Journey Ticket with FREE EMS:
$0.30
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Pattaya Pipo Pony Club Admission Ticket in Pattaya:
$1.55
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Pattaya Sheep Farm Ticket:
$2.19
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Ramayana Water Park Ticket in Pattaya:
$3.75
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Nails, Eyelash, and Waxing Beauty Experience at Ju's Nail:
$3.75
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Wakeboarding Experience at Thai Wake Park in Pattaya:
$4.19
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Pong Yang Adventure Park Experience:
$4.49
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Aquaria Phuket Ticket:
$4.95
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Rejuv Salon Beauty Experiences at Sathon Bangkok:
$5.85
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Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Ticket in Pattaya:
$5.89
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Sleep Salon & Nails Experience in Bangkok:
$6.15
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Kanchanaburi Mallika City Ticket:
$6.19
Tours and Activities in Koh Pha Ngan
Here are a few actual costs in Koh Pha Ngan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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4 Island Day Tour by Speedboat or Longtail Boat from Lanta Island:
$31
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ATV Half Day Adventure in Pattaya:
$28
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Ancient Ayutthaya Tour: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace & More by AK Travel:
$33
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Aquaria Phuket Ticket:
$4.95
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Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Bang Pa In and Night Market Visit by TTD:
$31
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Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and Market Visit:
$35
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Bangkok Floating Markets Day Tour from Siam Paragon by TTD:
$28
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Dii Wellness Med Spa Experience by Divana at Central Embassy BTS Ploenchit:
$62
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Go Bangkok e-Scooter Tour:
$46
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Indoor Go Karting Experience by EasyKart Bangkok:
$13
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Krabi Koh Klang Cultural Day Tour by TTD:
$74
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Krabi Sunrise Tour with Breakfast and Kayaking at Klong Nam Sai:
$33
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Koh Samui, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $4.02.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Koh Pha Ngan may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $8.59 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
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PB Valley Vineyard and Wine Tasting Tour in Khao Yai:
$22
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Bangkok Pub Crawl by Pub Crawls Thailand:
$22
Typical Alcohol prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Pha Ngan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Koh Pha Ngan:
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PB Valley Vineyard and Wine Tasting Tour in Khao Yai:
$22
-
Bangkok Pub Crawl by Pub Crawls Thailand:
$22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Pha Ngan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui than you might in Koh Pha Ngan.
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