Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Suzhou $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $101. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Suzhou $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Suzhou $76
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Suzhou? 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 $17Suzhou $57
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Shanghai Pudong Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $280
- Shanghai Pudong Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Private Day Tour: Suzhou Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
- Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Exploration with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $19Suzhou $32
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 Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Suzhou $9.32
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 Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
- 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
- All Inclusive Suzhou Highlight Tour with Boat Ride and Lunch: $179
- Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $248
- Flexible Shanghai Private Day Tour from Suzhou by Bullet Train: $208
- Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
- Full- Day Private Suzhou Tour Guide Service: $150
- Full-day Private Tour of Top Suzhou Gardens: $211
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Suzhou $6.40
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
Suzhou 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 Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou 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.
In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
Suzhou 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 more rain in July than Suzhou. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Suzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
In October, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Suzhou. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Suzhou in the winter. Koh Samui is much warmer than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Suzhou. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou 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.
In the spring, Koh Samui is much warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.