Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Sandakan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $58. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Sandakan $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Sandakan $40
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $17Sandakan $33
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:
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $12
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $15
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Koh Samui Airport by Car: $20
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $25
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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 $19Sandakan $19
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
- 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 Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Sandakan $7.19
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: $23
- 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
- Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $30
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Sandakan $6.59
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 Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan 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 Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Sandakan?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
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 Sandakan in the Summer?
Both Sandakan and Koh Samui during the summer 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 Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Sandakan. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Sandakan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sandakan. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Koh Samui is cooler than Sandakan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Sandakan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Sandakan. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Sandakan. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Koh Samui is cooler than Sandakan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Sandakan averages at about 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Sandakan in the Spring?
Both Sandakan and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.