Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Koh Samet?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Koh Samet. We’ll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget. So, let's dig into it.
Koh Tarutao
While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much more.
Koh Samet
The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?
Which city is cheaper, Koh Samet or Koh Tarutao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Tarutao is $88, while the average daily cost in Koh Samet is $86. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Koh Tarutao and Koh Samet in more detail.
Accommodation
For a normal double-occupancy room in Koh Tarutao, $88 is the average cost for a hotel room. Also in Koh Tarutao, the typical price for a place to stay for one person is $44, such as in a hostel.
A hotel room in Koh Samet is about $58 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
Food
In Koh Tarutao travelers spend around $25 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
Food in Koh Samet costs travelers about $24 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
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Food
Meals for one day
Koh Tarutao $25
Koh Samet $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Tarutao
For Koh Tarutao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Thai Akha Kitchen Cooking Class & Local Market Tour:
$23
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Tom Yum Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$23
-
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class:
$25
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Siamese Cookery House Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok:
$26
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InFusion Cooking Classes in Koh Samui:
$26
-
Sompong Thai Cooking Class:
$27
-
Galangal Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$28
-
Lanna Smile Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai:
$29
-
Pum Thai Cooking Class in Patong Beach:
$31
-
Chocolate Cooking Class at SO Sofitel Bangkok:
$31
-
Thai Cooking Course Hua Hin:
$31
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Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy:
$31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samet
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Koh Samet.
-
Thai Akha Kitchen Cooking Class & Local Market Tour:
$23
-
Tom Yum Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$23
-
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class:
$25
-
Siamese Cookery House Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok:
$26
-
InFusion Cooking Classes in Koh Samui:
$26
-
Sompong Thai Cooking Class:
$27
-
Galangal Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$28
-
Lanna Smile Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai:
$29
-
Pum Thai Cooking Class in Patong Beach:
$31
-
Chocolate Cooking Class at SO Sofitel Bangkok:
$31
-
Thai Cooking Course Hua Hin:
$31
-
Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy:
$31
Local Transportation
Koh Tarutao's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $30 per person, per day on transportation in Koh Tarutao.
The average price of local transportation around Koh Samet is $61 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Tarutao
Also for Koh Tarutao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Shared Airport Bus Transfer Phuket :
$3.09
-
Tiger Kingdom Ticket in Chiang Mai with Transfers:
$5.59
-
Private Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Transfers for Chiang Mai by TTD:
$12
-
Private Krabi (KBV) or Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Krabi, Phuket, and More by TTD:
$15
-
Private Krabi/Phuket Airport Transfers (KBV/HKT) for Krabi & More:
$15
-
Samui Airport Transfers (USM) for Koh Samui and More:
$15
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Private City Transfers for Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Phuket, and More by TTD:
$15
-
Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai and More:
$16
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Private City Transfers between Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and Koh Lanta:
$16
-
Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya, and More by Oriental Holiday:
$17
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Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Ayutthaya:
$18
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Private Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Phuket and Other Areas by Oriental Holiday:
$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samet
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Samet:
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[Next Day Result] COVID-19 RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test by Nabon Inter Medical Clinic in Phuket (Transfer arranged by TTD):
$21
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[Next Day Result] COVID-19 RT-PCR Test by Bangkok Hospital Phuket (Transfer Arranged by TTD):
$105
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Tiger Kingdom Ticket in Phuket with Transfers:
$22
-
Tiger Kingdom Ticket in Chiang Mai with Transfers:
$5.59
-
Shared Airport Bus Transfer Phuket :
$3.09
-
Samui Airport Transfers (USM) for Koh Samui and More:
$15
-
Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya, and More by Oriental Holiday:
$17
-
Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok Areas by TTD:
$20
-
Private Phuket International Airport (HKT) Transfers for Phuket and Nearby Areas by TTD:
$22
-
Private Krabi (KBV) or Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Krabi, Phuket, and More by TTD:
$15
-
Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Ayutthaya:
$18
-
Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok Areas by TTD:
$20
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Tarutao or Koh Samet?
Prices for flights to both Koh Samet and Koh Tarutao 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Koh Tarutao can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $13 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Koh Samet's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $8.04 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Tours and Activities in Koh Tarutao
For Koh Tarutao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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SHOCK PRICE!! Only at THB10 for Airport Rail Link (ARL) Single Journey Ticket with FREE EMS:
$0.30
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Pattaya Pipo Pony Club Admission Ticket in Pattaya:
$1.55
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Pattaya Sheep Farm Ticket:
$2.19
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Nails, Eyelash, and Waxing Beauty Experience at Ju's Nail:
$3.75
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Ramayana Water Park Ticket in Pattaya:
$3.75
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Wakeboarding Experience at Thai Wake Park in Pattaya:
$4.19
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Pong Yang Adventure Park Experience:
$4.49
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Aquaria Phuket Ticket:
$4.95
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Rejuv Salon Beauty Experiences at Sathon Bangkok:
$5.85
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Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Ticket in Pattaya:
$5.89
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Sleep Salon & Nails Experience in Bangkok:
$6.15
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Kanchanaburi Mallika City Ticket:
$6.19
Tours and Activities in Koh Samet
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Koh Samet are as follows:
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4 Island Day Tour by Speedboat or Longtail Boat from Lanta Island:
$31
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ATV Half Day Adventure in Pattaya:
$28
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Ancient Ayutthaya Tour: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace & More by AK Travel:
$33
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Aquaria Phuket Ticket:
$4.95
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Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Bang Pa In and Night Market Visit by TTD:
$31
-
Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and Market Visit:
$35
-
Bangkok Floating Markets Day Tour from Siam Paragon by TTD:
$28
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Dii Wellness Med Spa Experience by Divana at Central Embassy BTS Ploenchit:
$62
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Go Bangkok e-Scooter Tour:
$46
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Indoor Go Karting Experience by EasyKart Bangkok:
$13
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Krabi Koh Klang Cultural Day Tour by TTD:
$74
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Krabi Sunrise Tour with Breakfast and Kayaking at Klong Nam Sai:
$33
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Koh Tarutao spend on average $6.29 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
The average person spends about $4.19 on alcoholic beverages in Koh Samet per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Tarutao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Tarutao:
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PB Valley Vineyard and Wine Tasting Tour in Khao Yai:
$22
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Bangkok Pub Crawl by Pub Crawls Thailand:
$22
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samet
Also in Koh Samet, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
PB Valley Vineyard and Wine Tasting Tour in Khao Yai:
$22
-
Bangkok Pub Crawl by Pub Crawls Thailand:
$22
When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Koh Samet, we can see that Koh Tarutao 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.
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