Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Koh Samui or Tanah Rata?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Tanah Rata? 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 Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
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.
-
Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesTanah Rata Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $79Tanah Rata $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $192. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Tanah Rata $76
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Tanah Rata $152
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Tanah Rata? 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 Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Tanah Rata $33
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:
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $127
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $22
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Ko Pha-ngan: $15
- Full Moon Party by Speed Boat Transfer from Koh Samui: $38
- Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan Transfer Painting and Party: $49
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $51
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $47
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $83
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $36
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $18
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer : $50
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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 dayKoh Samui $39Tanah Rata $87
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:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $80
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $81
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $82
- Sunset Dinner Cruise by Red Baron In Koh Samui : $83
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $83
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $83
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $83
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $108
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $115
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $123
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
-
Dinner for Two$6.42
-
Dessert$0.71
-
Lunch$4.52
-
Afternoon tea$4.40
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Tanah Rata $39
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui: $2.39
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.97
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui : $18
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Top Sights of Samui City Tour: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $27
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $27
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- High Speed Karting Fun Adventure at EasyKart from Koh Samui: $29
- Koh Samui City & Temples Tour with Na Muang Waterfall: $29
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Tea Factory Visit$6.42
-
Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.33Tanah Rata $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Tanah Rata?
Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Tanah Rata. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Tanah Rata. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Samui is cooler than Tanah Rata in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
Both Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tanah Rata. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is cooler than Tanah Rata. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Tanah Rata. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Koh Samui is cooler than Tanah Rata in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.