Which place is cheaper, Xiamen or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Xiamen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Xiamen? 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 Xiamen?
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.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Xiamen $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $64. 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 Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Xiamen $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Xiamen $60
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Xiamen? 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 $17Xiamen $5.98
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:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- Samui: Angthong Marine Park Boat Tour w/ Transfer and Meals: $35
- Samui International Airport: Private Hotel Transfer: $32
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $46
- Private Transfer from Lamai to Samui (USM) Airport: $36
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui to Ko Samui Airport: $26
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $67
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
- Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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 $19Xiamen $26
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Xiamen $16
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
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- Xiamen Private One Day Tailor Made Tour with Gulangyu and City Highlights : $176
- 1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour: $244
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
- Dongshan Island Highlights Full-Day Private Tour: $232
- Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Xiamen $17
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 Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen 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 Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Xiamen?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?
Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
Koh Samui is cooler than Xiamen in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Xiamen. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Xiamen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Xiamen. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Xiamen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Xiamen averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Xiamen. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Xiamen in the Winter?
Both Xiamen and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
In January, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Xiamen in the Spring?
Both Xiamen and Koh Samui during the spring 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 Xiamen in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Xiamen. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 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.