Which place is cheaper, Penang or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Penang? 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 Penang?
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.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $79Penang $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, while the average daily cost in Penang is $144. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Penang $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Penang $110
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Penang? 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 and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Penang $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$2.36
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Gas for Scooter$1.26
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Airport Taxi$14
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.77
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: $127
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $22
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Ko Pha-ngan: $15
- Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan Transfer Painting and Party: $49
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $46
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $50
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $81
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $36
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $18
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer : $50
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.43
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Island Ferry$0.57
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
- ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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 $39Penang $64
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)$6.75
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:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $79
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $82
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $82
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $82
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $108
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $113
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $122
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $122
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.90
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
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Lassy Juice$1.66
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Dinner for 2$3.57
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Street Stall Food$0.67
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Penang $55
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui: $2.39
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.97
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui : $18
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $27
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- High Speed Karting Fun Adventure at EasyKart from Koh Samui: $29
- Koh Samui City & Temples Tour with Na Muang Waterfall: $29
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $30
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.37
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.38
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- George Town Highlights & Upside Down Museum tours (5 Hours): $67
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $154
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $138
- Countryside Cycling Tour. T1.0 by Matahari: $97
- ESCAPE Penang Theme Park Admission Ticket : $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.33Penang $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Penang, 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 Penang?
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 Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Penang. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Penang. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Samui is cooler than Penang in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Penang. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is cooler than Penang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Koh Samui during the winter 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 Penang year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Penang. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Penang. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Koh Samui is cooler than Penang in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.