Which place is cheaper, Penang or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. 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 $24Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Penang $98
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $17Penang $12
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 HTL-APT (USM): $12
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $110
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $71
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $26
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers: $81
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $15
- Private Airport pickup and transfer to Conrad: $42
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$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $211
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $165
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $138
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Penang City Hotes to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Penang Intl Airport (PEN): Transfer to Penang Island hotels: $115
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $115
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $115
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
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 $19Penang $33
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
- 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: $89
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $99
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$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $23
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $24
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $24
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $27
- Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $31
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Admission Ticket to High Park Samui: $34
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
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$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $60
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $150
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.37
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Amazing Night Tour in Penang : $76
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Penang $15
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
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$1.68
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.