A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Perth for Nightlife, Beaches, Food, and Families

Should you visit Koh Samui or Perth?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Perth? 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 rainforest-covered, lush, and laid back resort island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Perth

Perth is a sunny, friendly, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Koh Samui and Perth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Perth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Perth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Samui is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Perth is more popular for its museums. Koh Samui is more touristy than Perth and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Koh Samui different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Samui or Perth?

Perth is a great city for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Perth offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Samui is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Koh Samui or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is very popular for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Koh Samui is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Koh Samui or Perth Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Perth is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Koh Samui is a perfect 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.

Perth is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Samui or Perth Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Perth Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Koh Samui and Perth are world-class choices.

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.

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Is Koh Samui or Perth Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

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.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Perth?

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Samui and Perth both offer plenty of notable spots.

Koh Samui has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Perth is a great destination for shopping. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Koh Samui or Perth Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Perth.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Samui. 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.

Perth is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Is Koh Samui or Perth Better for Couples?

Koh Samui is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Koh Samui or Perth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Samui is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Koh Samui or Perth Better for Students?

Perth is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Samui is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Koh Samui is not popular with students.

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

Koh Samui and Perth both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Is Koh Samui or Perth a more walkable city?

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

Perth is a somewhat walkable city. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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 Perth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Perth or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Perth?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Samui or Perth. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Samui due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 2-4 days is enough time in Perth.

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Perth. 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 Perth. 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 Perth 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 Perth?

In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this rainforest-covered destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Perth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Perth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the sunny destination of Perth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Perth?

Koh Samui is a fun place to experience. In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sunny city of Perth. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Samui or Perth?

In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this tropical destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Perth is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Perth, we can see that Perth is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Samui is in Asia and Perth is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Perth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Perth 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 Perth Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Perth?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Perth, 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 Perth?

Perth 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 Perth in the Summer?

Both Perth 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. Also, many travelers come to Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Perth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Perth averages at about 25°C (76°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Perthin January. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Perth receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Perth in the Autumn?

Both Perth 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Perth in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Perthin April. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Perth fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Perthin April. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Perth receives 40 mm (1.6 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.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Perth in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Perth. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Perth for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Koh Samui is much warmer than Perth in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Perth fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

Perth receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Perthin July. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Perth receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Perth in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Perth. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Perth because of the beaches.

In the spring, Koh Samui is a little warmer than Perth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Perth averages at about 17°C (62°F)in October.

Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Perthin October. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Perth receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Perth and Koh Samui