A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Shenyang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Samui or Shenyang?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Shenyang? 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 Shenyang?

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.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

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 China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $85. 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 Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samui $26
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samui $52
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Shenyang? 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.

Hotels in Koh Samui


Hotels in Shenyang


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samui $19
    Shenyang $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:


  • Scooter Rental
    $2.36
  • Gas for Scooter
    $1.26
  • Airport Taxi
    $14
  • Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach
    $13
  • 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:

  • The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $168
  • Smooth Koh Phangan to Phuket Transfer by Catamaran and Bus : $54
  • Samui Zipline Adventure with Transfer service: $54
  • Private round trip Transfers from Samui Airport : $38
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $69
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $69
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $18
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $19
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $19
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $19
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui Cruise Port to Ko Samui Hotels: $19
  • Private Transfer from Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Port: $19

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Samui $39
    Shenyang $32
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:


  • 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:

  • Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $67
  • Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $78
  • 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: $81
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise by Red Baron In Koh Samui : $81
  • Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
  • Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $82
  • Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $82
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
  • Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $113
  • Koh Samui Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $122

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samui $12
    Shenyang $7.81

Tours and Activities in Koh Samui

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.

  • Koh Madsum (Pig island) and Koh Tan Day Tour from Koh Samui: $101
  • Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $98
  • Koh Tan and Pig Island Half-Day Tour by Speed Catamaran : $64
  • Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $46
  • Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
  • Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $83
  • koh samui island and water fall tour: $49
  • 2 Hour ATV Jungle Tour In Koh Samui : $89
  • 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $58
  • 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $123
  • 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $30
  • 4WD Buggy. Mountain Tour 3 hrs. for 1-2 people per Buggy in Samui: $275

Tours and Activities in Shenyang

For Shenyang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Shenyang to Dandong: China North-eastern Border Day Tour: $350

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samui $5.33
    Shenyang $5.91


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Shenyang, we can see that Shenyang 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 Shenyang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Shenyang?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Shenyang, 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 Shenyang?

Shenyang 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 Shenyang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Shenyang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.

In July, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Shenyang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Shenyang. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Samui 24°C (76°F) 
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Shenyang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Shenyang. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Koh Samui is much warmer than Shenyang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Shenyang. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Samui 24°C (75°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Shenyang in the Winter?

Both Shenyang and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.

Shenyang can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Koh Samui is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Shenyang averages at about -11°C (13°F).

In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Samui 22°C (72°F) 
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Shenyang in the Spring?

Both Shenyang and Koh Samui during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Koh Samui usually gets more rain in April than Shenyang. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Samui 24°C (76°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Koh Samui

Koh Samui Shenyang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in) -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)