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 $79Vang Vieng $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, while the average daily cost in Vang Vieng is $19. 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 $26Vang Vieng $4.25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Vang Vieng $8.50
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 $19Vang Vieng $3.11
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$2.36
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Gas for Scooter$1.26
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Airport Taxi$14
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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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: $171
- Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $140
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $127
- Paradise Park Farm Entry Ticket with Transfer: $118
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $83
- Full Moon Party Entry Tickets & Round Trip Transfers: $80
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Airport Koh Samui by Minivan: $76
- Private Arrival Transfer: Koh Samui Airports to Hotel by Minivan: $75
- Private Transfer from Taling Ngam to Samui (USM) Airport: $70
- Private Transfer from Mae Nam to Samui (USM) Airport: $69
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $69
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport ( USM ) to Conrad Kohsamui : $55
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
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 $39Vang Vieng $11
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)$6.75
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Vang Vieng $4.76
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: $103
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $99
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $47
- 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: $50
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Tour In Koh Samui : $89
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $48
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $59
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $123
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $27
- 4WD Buggy. Mountain Tour 3 hrs. for 1-2 people per Buggy in Samui: $252
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
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- 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
- Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
- Vang Vieng Ballooning Adventures: $260
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.33Vang Vieng $1.11
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.