Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Zhengzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Zhengzhou? 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 Zhengzhou?
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.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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 $55Zhengzhou $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $98. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Zhengzhou $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Zhengzhou $72
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Zhengzhou? 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 $17Zhengzhou $63
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 HTL-APT (USM): $12
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $110
- Full Moon Party Speedboat Round Trip Transfer: $55
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $71
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $25
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers: $81
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $19Zhengzhou $28
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Zhengzhou $8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $23
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $23
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $24
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $27
- Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option: $29
- Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $30
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Zhengzhou $6.31
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou than you might in Koh Samui.
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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Zhengzhou. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Zhengzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Zhengzhou. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Zhengzhou. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?
Both Zhengzhou and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
In October, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Zhengzhou in the Winter?
Both Zhengzhou and Koh Samui during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Zhengzhou can be very cold during winter. Koh Samui is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).
Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Zhengzhou. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Zhengzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
In the spring, Koh Samui is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In April, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Zhengzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.