Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng 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.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Vang Vieng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Vang Vieng? 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 Vang Vieng?
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.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a town in the Vientiane province of Laos that sits along the banks of the Nam Song River. With its beautifully carved karst topography cliffs towering over the winding river, the area has become very tourist-oriented for those seeking to explore the outdoor wonders. People from all over come to engage in the unique landscape-mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, caving, swimming, and rock climbing, amongst others.
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 Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesVang Vieng Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $75Vang Vieng $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $75, while the average daily cost in Vang Vieng is $18. 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 Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Vang Vieng $4.11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Vang Vieng $8.22
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Vang Vieng? 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 Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $18Vang Vieng $3.01
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$2.24
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Gas for Scooter$1.19
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Airport Taxi$13
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Samui Guided Jet Ski Safari Adventure Tour with Transfer: $196
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $162
- Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $134
- Koh Samui; Michelin Guide Dining at Ban Suan Lung Khai & transfer: $92
- The Jungle Club or The Roof Samui Table Reservation with Transfer: $91
- Thrilling 2 Hour ATV Jungle with Hotel Transfer from Koh Samui: $77
- Private Arrival Transfer: Koh Samui Airports to Hotel by Minivan: $73
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $67
- Private Transfer from Mae Nam to Samui (USM) Airport: $67
- Koh Samui Tree Bridge Zipline and Jungle Cafe with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $60
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vang Vieng
Also for Vang Vieng, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared transfer from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang city: $20
- Vang Vieng Private Transfer: Hotel - Railway Station - Vientiane: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng 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 $37Vang Vieng $10
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)$6.42
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:
- Koh Samui Local Market Hin Ta Hin Yai and Beach Dinner: $36
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $58
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $68
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $70
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $77
- Idyllic Half Day Sunset Cruise and Dinner in Koh Samui: $77
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $80
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $83
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $84
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $11Vang Vieng $4.61
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure in Koh Samui Mountain Viewpoints: $86
- 2 Hours ATV Quad Bike Popular Tour From Koh Samui: $97
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $56
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $106
- 3 Hour ATV Secret Waterfall Adventure in Koh Samui: $107
- 3.5-Hour Koh Phangan ATV Jungle Adventure with Viewpoints: $135
- 4 Hour Ultimate ATV Jungle Tour in Koh Samui Lunch Included: $138
- 6 Hours Elephant Care and Jungle Tour by 4WD in Koh Samui: $61
- ATV 1.5 Hours Jungle Safari Tour On Koh Phangan: $67
- ATV Jungle & Mountain Trails 30-Min Off-Road Adventure Koh Samui: $51
- Adventure Kayaking at Angthong Marine Park: $113
- Amazing Koh Samui "Must Visit" Private Tour: $173
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- 1 Day Guided Tour in Cave from Vang Vieng: $175
- BBQ Lunch Cruise on Nam Ngum Lake: $50
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour in Vang Vieng: $180
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour: $79
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng: $50
- Paramotor Experience in Vang Vieng Laos: $165
- Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
- Vang Vieng Adventure Day Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Cave Tubing: $75
- Vang Vieng Day Tour - Longtail boat, Paragliding: $175
- Vang Vieng Day Tour: Zipline, Water Cave, Kayak & Blue Lagoon 3: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.07Vang Vieng $1.08
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Vang Vieng, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vang Vieng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vang Vieng 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 Koh Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui than you might in Vang Vieng.
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 Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Vang Vieng?
Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Vang Vieng, 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 Vang Vieng?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng 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. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Vang Vieng. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. In January, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Vang Vieng. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.