Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Zhangjiajie? 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 Zhangjiajie?
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.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesZhangjiajie Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $79Zhangjiajie $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, while the average daily cost in Zhangjiajie is $79. 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 Zhangjiajie in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Zhangjiajie $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Zhangjiajie
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Zhangjiajie? 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 $19Zhangjiajie $15
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 Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $322
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Zhangjiajie?
Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie 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 $39Zhangjiajie $36
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Zhangjiajie $23
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 Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
- 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR！: $272
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
- 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
- 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $239
- 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
- 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
- 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.33Zhangjiajie $16
When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Zhangjiajie, 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 Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie in the Summer?
Both Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Zhangjiajie. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?
Both Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Zhangjiajie. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 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)Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Zhangjiajie. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
In the winter, Koh Samui is much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 5°C (42°F).
In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Zhangjiajie. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 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)Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Zhangjiajie. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Zhangjiajie. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Zhangjiajie | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.