A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Mount Bromo for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Samui or Mount Bromo?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Mount Bromo? 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.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a tropical, rainforest-covered, and lush resort island. Many visitors also come to Koh Samui because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a breathtaking, scenic, and spectacular volcano. Many visitors also come to Mount Bromo because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Koh Samui and Mount Bromo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Mount Bromo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Mount Bromo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Samui is more touristy than Mount Bromo and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Mount Bromo is well known for its sunrise views and scenic setting.

How is Koh Samui different from Mount Bromo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Bromo and Koh Samui. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Koh Samui or Mount Bromo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Koh Samui. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole-in-the-wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not-to-be-missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Koh Samui is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Mount Bromo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Samui is a great choice. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

Mount Bromo is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Koh Samui. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Samui. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Koh Samui and Mount Bromo both have high quality trails.

Many visitors go to Koh Samui for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Mount Bromo is a popular spot for hiking. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Mount Bromo?

Koh Samui is a popular place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Koh Samui. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of first-rate scenery and beauty in both Koh Samui and Mount Bromo.

Many visitors also come to Koh Samui because of it's amazing beauty. It's laid back vibe and quintessential beach setting make this a wonderful holiday destination. It's the second largest island in Thailand and there are resorts, hotels, and restaurants for everyone.

You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo Better for Families?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

Koh Samui is a very family-friendly destination. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Mount Bromo make for a high quality place to visit.

Koh Samui is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

Mount Bromo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Koh Samui is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Samui is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its public transit.

While Koh Samui offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Koh Samui or Mount Bromo a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable volcano. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

Koh Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Bromo or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Mount Bromo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Samui or Mount Bromo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Samui than Mount Bromo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mount Bromo.

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Mount Bromo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Koh Samui, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Samui than Mount Bromo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Samui that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Samui than Mount Bromo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Koh Samui.

One day in Koh Samui or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lush resort island of Koh Samui. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the volcano of Mount Bromo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mount Bromo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the rainforest-covered destination of Koh Samui. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This resort island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this volcano has to offer. This volcano offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the lush resort island of Koh Samui. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic volcano of Mount Bromo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Samui or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Samui. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this resort island.

Mount Bromo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Mount Bromo, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo.

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 Mount Bromo Expensive?.