Which place is cheaper, Wuyuan or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Wuyuan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Wuyuan? 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 Wuyuan?
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.
Wuyuan
Wuyuan, China is a small city in the Jiangxi Province in the south central area of the country. The city acts as a transport hub for the province, with many main bus routes running through it. Wuyuan also acts as the main thoroughfare when traveling to local remote villages in the area. It is best to know some Mandarin as this region does not see many non-Mandarin speaking tourists, which also means you should expect some very friendly attention!
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 $55Wuyuan $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Wuyuan is $57. 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 Wuyuan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Wuyuan $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Wuyuan $52
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Wuyuan
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Wuyuan? 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 $17Wuyuan $13
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:
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $110
- Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers: $81
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Cruise Port to Ko Samui Hotels: $74
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $71
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Airport Koh Samui by Minivan: $69
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $67
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $67
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $66
- Full Moon Party Speedboat Round Trip Transfer: $55
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $46
- Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Wuyuan?
Prices for flights to both Wuyuan 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 $19Wuyuan $20
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
Typical Food Prices in Wuyuan
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wuyuan:
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Gummy Candy$0.28
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Cookies$0.69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Wuyuan $19
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 1 - 4 persons: $117
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $145
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $50
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $49
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $43
- 2 Day Halfmoon Festival Experience General Admission Pass: $70
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $46
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $51
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $107
- 3 Night Hotel Package and 2 Day Experience at Halfmoon Festival: $284
- 3.5-Hours ATV Adventure in the Jungle of Koh Phangan: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Wuyuan $14
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 comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Wuyuan, we can see that Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Wuyuan?
Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan in the Summer?
Both Wuyuan 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.
In July, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Wuyuan. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Wuyuan fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Wuyuan. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Wuyuan. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Wuyuan 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Wuyuan in the Autumn?
Both Wuyuan 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.
Koh Samui is a little warmer than Wuyuan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Wuyuan fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Wuyuan. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Wuyuan 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Wuyuan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Wuyuan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
In the winter, Koh Samui is much warmer than Wuyuan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Wuyuan averages at about 6°C (43°F).
In January, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Wuyuan. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Wuyuan 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Wuyuan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Wuyuan. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Wuyuan. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Wuyuan fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Wuyuan. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Wuyuan. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Wuyuan 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Wuyuan and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Wuyuan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 123 mm (4.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.