A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Lahore for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Samui or Lahore?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Koh Samui or Lahore? 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 Lahore?

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.

Lahore

As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.

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 Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Lahore or Koh Samui?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Lahore 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 Lahore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samui $24
    Lahore $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samui $48
    Lahore $74
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Lahore

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Lahore? 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.

Hotels in Koh Samui


Hotels in Lahore


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 and Lahore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samui $17
    Lahore $9.98
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:


  • Scooter Rental
    $2.05
  • Gas for Scooter
    $1.09
  • Airport Taxi
    $12
  • Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach
    $11
  • 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:

  • ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $110
  • Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers: $81
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui Cruise Port to Ko Samui Hotels: $74
  • Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $71
  • Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Airport Koh Samui by Minivan: $69
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $67
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $67
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $66
  • Full Moon Party Speedboat Round Trip Transfer: $55
  • Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $46
  • Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore

Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
  • Airport Transfer : $60
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Lahore?

Prices for flights to both Lahore 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Samui $19
    Lahore $14
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:


  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore

For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
  • Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
  • Full Day Lahore Private Guided Food Tour: $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samui $10
    Lahore $5.08

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: $117
  • 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $145
  • Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $50
  • 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
  • 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
  • 3 Night Hotel Package and 2 Day Experience at Halfmoon Festival: $284
  • 3.5-Hours ATV Adventure in the Jungle of Koh Phangan: $160

Tours and Activities in Lahore

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.

  • 1 Day Rohtas Fort & Khewra Salt Mines Tour: $120
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Lahore : $300
  • Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
  • Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
  • Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Sahib Yatra Guided Tour: $175
  • Kartarpur Tour: $150
  • Kartarpur-Guru-Nanak sab One Day Tour : $250
  • Khewra Salt Mines & Katas Raj Temple One Day Guided Tour: $210
  • Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
  • Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
  • Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Guided Tour: $145
  • Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samui $4.63
    Lahore $4.89

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 Lahore, we can see that Lahore 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 Lahore Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Lahore?

Lahore has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Lahore, 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 Lahore?

Lahore 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 Lahore in the Summer?

Both Lahore and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.

Lahore can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Lahore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Lahore averages at about 33°C (91°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lahore. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Lahore. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Samui 24°C (76°F) 
    Lahore 33°C (91°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Lahore in the Autumn?

Both Lahore and Koh Samui during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Lahore. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Lahore fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Lahore. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Samui 24°C (75°F) 
    Lahore 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Lahore in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Lahore. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.

Koh Samui is much warmer than Lahore in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Lahore fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Lahore. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Samui 22°C (72°F) 
    Lahore 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Lahore in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Lahore. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Koh Samui is cooler than Lahore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Lahore averages at about 28°C (83°F).

Koh Samui usually gets more rain in April than Lahore. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Samui 24°C (76°F) 
    Lahore 28°C (83°F)

Typical Weather for Lahore and Koh Samui

Koh Samui Lahore
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 33°C (91°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 35°C (96°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 33°C (91°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 32°C (90°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 31°C (88°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)