Is Koh Samui Expensive? Cost Breakdown Guide

Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular islands and one of the most talked about when it comes to cost.

Some travelers think it’s overpriced. While others say it’s more than reasonable if you know where to look.

So, is Koh Samui expensive? That depends on your travel style. While it’s certainly pricier than mainland spots like Chiang Mai or Bangkok, it’s still possible to enjoy the island on a moderate or even tight budget, especially if you’re including it as part of a 2-week Thailand itinerary and spreading your costs across multiple regions.

According to BudgetYourTrip, average daily expenses in Koh Samui range from around $31 USD for budget travelers to over $180 USD for those seeking luxury, depending on how you plan your stay.

This cost guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to spend on hotels, food, transportation, and activities, plus tips for saving money without missing out.

Here’s an overview of average daily costs for travelers in Koh Samui (in USD and Thai Baht):

Why Koh Samui Is Popular and How That Affects Prices

Koh Samui is one of the easiest Thai islands to reach, you can fly directly from Bangkok or overseas into its small but well-connected airport. That level of convenience means many travelers skip the ferries and head straight here, which naturally raises demand.

But it’s not just accessibility. Samui is part of a trio of Gulf islands alongside Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, making it a great base for those who want to explore multiple islands without changing hotels every few days.

And while they’re neighbors, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan offer very different experiences, from beaches and party scenes to overall cost and vibe. This “three-in-one” potential makes it especially popular with first-time visitors to southern Thailand.

Then there’s the luxury appeal. Compared to mainland destinations or even some Andaman islands, Koh Samui is known for its upscale resorts, wellness spas, and beach clubs. If you’re after premium amenities in a tropical setting, Samui delivers, and prices reflect that.

One of the biggest reasons prices stay high here, though, is the weather. While most of Thailand enters rainy season during the summer months, Koh Samui has a different climate entirely.

In fact, July and August are two of the best months to visit Koh Samui, which helps explain why hotels and flights often stay in high demand even when the rest of Thailand is in low season.

Where to Stay in Koh Samui: Hotel & Accommodation Costs

Koh Samui has a wide range of places to stay, whether you’re traveling on a tight budget or looking to splurge on a beachfront resort. From laid-back hostels and guesthouses to all-inclusive luxury villas, there’s something for every traveler.

Where you stay in Koh Samui depends largely on your budget and your travel style.

In general, you can expect to pay $11–$26 USD per night for a basic guesthouse or hostel. These are common near popular areas like Chaweng and Lamai, where nightlife and dining are within walking distance.

Mid-range hotels typically cost between $60 and $109 USD per night. They often include amenities like pools, daily breakfast, and access to nearby beaches. You’ll find these all over the island, especially in Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam.

Luxury resorts start around $150 USD and can exceed $494 USD per night. Some of Thailand’s most stunning high-end hotels are found on Samui’s northern and northeastern coasts, where seclusion, infinity pools, and 5-star service are the norm.

Keep in mind that prices may spike during high season (December through March), especially over the holidays and during full moon events nearby on Koh Phangan.

Budget Hostels & Hotels in Koh Samui

If you’re watching your wallet, Koh Samui offers plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouse, especially around the busy areas of Chaweng and Lamai.

These neighborhoods make it easy to access cheap eats, nightlife, and scooter rentals.

• P168 Hostel Samui: Centrally located in Chaweng, with clean dorms and a social vibe.

• UBOX Hostel Samui: Affordable pods in Lamai Beach, just a short walk from the ocean.

• Timeless Hostel: Quiet guesthouse in Maenam, perfect for travelers wanting a more chill base.

Mid-range Hotels in Koh Samui

If you’re after more comfort without breaking the bank, Koh Samui has a great selection of mid-range hotels, typically priced between $60 and $109 USD per night. These properties usually offer perks like pools, breakfast, larger rooms, and better overall service.

You’ll find plenty of these hotels in areas like Bophut, Lamai, and Chaweng Noi. Many are within walking distance to the beach but quieter than the main nightlife hubs, ideal if you want a balance between relaxation and convenience.

• Celes Beachfront Resort Samui: Stylish beachfront property in Bophut with a large pool and great reviews.

• Baan Talay Pool Villa: Located in Chaweng Noi, this mid-size resort offers private pools at a great price point.

• Am Samui Palace: Family-friendly hotel in Lamai with clean rooms and a large pool area, just steps from the beach.

Luxury Hotels in Koh Samui

For travelers chasing upscale amenities, Koh Samui delivers some of Thailand’s most stunning resorts.

Luxury hotels here typically start around $150 USD and can exceed $494 USD per night, depending on location and time of year.

Most of the island’s top luxury properties are concentrated along Choeng Mon, Bophut, and secluded parts of the north and west coasts. These resorts often feature beachfront villas, world-class spas, private infinity pools, and gourmet dining.

• Six Senses Samui: An iconic cliffside resort with sweeping ocean views and a focus on wellness and sustainability.

• The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui: A full-service luxury resort on a private bay with elegant villas and top-tier service.

• Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort: A beachfront resort with minimalist luxury design and private pool suites.

How Much Does Food Cost in Koh Samui?

Koh Samui’s food scene is diverse, offering everything from local markets and beachfront Thai eateries to high-end dining with ocean views.

Whether you’re craving spicy street noodles or gourmet seafood, you’ll find it here, and what you spend will vary greatly depending on your dining choices.

Budget travelers can easily eat well for $15 USD (฿500) a day, especially if sticking to local Thai food and market stalls.

Mid-range travelers typically spend around $38 USD (฿1,230) per day across multiple meals.

At the luxury level, food costs can climb to $89 USD (฿2,900) or more, especially if you’re dining at upscale venues or ordering wine and cocktails.

Prices tend to be higher at beachfront restaurants or in tourist-heavy areas like Chaweng, Fisherman’s Village, or Lamai, so consider wandering a few blocks inland for better value.

Cheap Restaurants in Koh Samui

• My Thai Food Restaurant (Chaweng): A reliable favorite serving Thai classics like Pad Thai, curries, and stir-fried dishes. Very affordable and consistently good.

• Food Lab Italian (Lamai): A cozy, unassuming spot known for porchetta and pasta — a rare budget-friendly find for European food on the island.

• Pang Ka Restaurant (Taling Ngam): Local, no-frills Thai restaurant with a quiet vibe, friendly staff, and excellent value for money.

TIP: For the cheapest meals, explore local Thai eateries or street food stalls at night markets like Si Khao Market or Lamai Night Market, where a plate of food often costs less than $2.

Mid-Range Restaurants in Koh Samui

With a bit more flexibility in your budget, you can enjoy comfortable sit-down meals in scenic locations, from beachfront bistros to stylish town cafes.

Expect a wider range of cuisines and better presentation, all without breaking the bank.

• Kawin’s Kitchen (Lamai): Exceptional local Thai cuisine with beautiful plating and a relaxed atmosphere — great value for what you get.

• Cabezas Muertas (Fisherman’s Village): One of the island’s better-rated Mexican spots, serving tacos, tostadas, and cocktails in a lively, colorful space.

• Wild Tribe Café (Maenam): Great option for healthy bowls, smoothies, and vegetarian-friendly meals, especially popular with digital nomads and wellness travelers.

Fine Dining Restaurants in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is known for its luxury offerings, and that absolutely includes food. Fine dining here often means beachfront tables, curated tasting menus, and fresh seafood flown in daily.

Most upscale restaurants are located in Fisherman’s Village, Bo Phut, or luxury resort areas.

• The Oyster Bar x (Bo Phut): Known for fresh oysters and lobster, with a refined yet unpretentious setting.

• Raw & Spritz (Fisherman’s Village): Creative small plates and handcrafted cocktails in a chic, modern space. Great for a date night or sunset dinner.

• Dining on the Rocks (Choeng Mon): The ultimate splurge, perched on a cliffside, this multi-course fine dining experience offers panoramic sea views and world-class dishes.

TIP: Want to save a bit while still going upscale? Many fine dining spots in Samui offer happy hour specials or prix-fixe lunch menus that provide excellent value.

Koh Samui Transportation Costs: Getting Around the Island

Getting around Koh Samui is relatively easy, but options and costs can vary depending on how much independence and comfort you’re after.

Scooter rentals are by far the most popular and affordable way to explore the island, but there are also shared songthaews (converted pickup trucks), private taxis, and app-based rides.

You’ll find multiple ways of getting around Koh Samui, each with its own pros, cons, and price points.

For hassle-free airport transfers, Klook is a great option, especially if you want to avoid negotiating with local drivers after a long flight.

Expect daily transportation costs to range from $8 USD (฿250) for budget travelers up to $47 USD (฿1,500) or more for private transfers and all-day drivers.

Scooter Rental in Koh Samui

Renting a scooter is the most cost-effective and flexible way to get around Samui, especially if you’re confident on two wheels.

Daily rental rates range from $5 to $10 USD (฿180–฿350), with discounts available for multi-day or weekly rentals.

Scooters allow you to reach scenic beaches, hidden viewpoints, and quieter villages well outside of the main tourist areas. Popular rental areas include Chaweng, Lamai, and Maenam.

Songthaew in Koh Samui

Songthaews, shared pickup truck taxis with benches in the back, are the closest thing Koh Samui has to public transport.

Fares usually start around ฿50 to ฿100 for short trips, depending on distance and time of day.

You’ll find them cruising the main ring road between towns like Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Nathon. There’s no fixed schedule, just flag one down and let the driver know your stop. Be sure to confirm the fare before getting in.

Sometimes you’ll be grouped with several other riders heading to different areas, which means you might be dropped off last, extending your ride time.

Other times, you might only share it with one person and reach your destination much faster. Either way, it’s an affordable and local way to get around.

By the way, Songthaews run more frequently during the day and early evening. After dark, they may function more like private taxis and charge higher rates.

Taxis, Grab, inDrive & Private Drivers

Standard taxis are available in Koh Samui, but they’re often the most expensive option and frequently refuse to use the meter. For short to moderate trips, expect to pay around ฿300–฿600+ ($8–$17 USD).

Grab works on the island, but driver availability can be spotty, especially in quieter areas. inDrive, a competing app, is also available and tends to offer cheaper fares than Grab, especially for short trips.

Both are useful if you prefer not to rent a scooter, just keep in mind that they can’t pick you up directly at the airport due to local taxi syndicate restrictions. You’ll need to walk out to the main road to request a ride.

Private drivers and hotel shuttles are the most comfortable option, ideal for airport transfers, day trips, or group travel. Rates for private bookings typically start at ฿1,000 ($28+) per ride.

Cost of Activities in Koh Samui

Koh Samui offers a wide range of activities, from island-hopping and snorkeling to cooking classes and yoga retreats. Whether you’re looking for something relaxed or adventurous, there are plenty of day tours worth booking in Koh Samui to suit every travel style.

Prices vary by season, location, and whether you’re booking group or private tours, but there’s something for every budget.

Budget travelers can enjoy activities for around $10–$25 USD (฿350–฿900) per day.

Mid-range options like snorkeling trips or cooking classes usually range from $30–$75 USD (฿1,050–฿2,600).

Luxury experiences, including private charters or spa days, can easily top $100 USD (฿3,500+).

Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, snorkeling off Koh Tao, or getting a massage by the beach, Koh Samui offers excellent variety, often at lower prices than more tourist-saturated islands.

And when the sun goes down, you’ll find plenty of vibrant things to do in Koh Samui at night, from beach parties and fire shows to night markets and beach bars.

Budget-Friendly Activities

• Visit Big Buddha Temple (Free): The island’s most iconic landmark — completely free and a great photo stop.

• Traditional Thai Massage: Found all over Samui, expect to pay around ฿200–฿400 ($6–$12 USD) per hour.

• Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks: A quirky (and free) natural attraction in Lamai, easily accessible by scooter.

Mid-Range Activities

• Half-Day Snorkeling Trip to Koh Tao: Typically costs around ฿1,500–฿2,500 ($40–$70 USD), depending on the boat and group size.

• Thai Cooking Class: Most reputable classes cost ฿1,200–฿2,000 ($35–$55 USD) and include a market visit.

• Pig Island (Koh Madsum): This unique excursion takes you to a nearby island where you can swim and relax alongside friendly pigs. Tours usually cost ฿1,200–฿2,000 ($35–$55 USD) and often include snorkeling and lunch.

• Waterfalls & Jungle Hikes: Access to places like Na Muang Waterfalls is often free or just ฿50 ($1.50 USD) for parking, but guided treks can cost more.

Luxury-Level Activities

• Private Yacht or Longtail Charter: Half-day trips around Samui, Koh Phangan, or Ang Thong Marine Park start around ฿8,000–฿12,000 ($230–$350 USD).

• Angthong Marine Park Boat Tour: A must-do for many visitors, this full-day excursion through the stunning archipelago starts around ฿3,000+ ($85+ USD), depending on whether you choose a group or private charter.

• Sunset Dinner Cruise: These scenic evening sails typically range from ฿2,500–฿4,000 ($70–$115 USD) with food and drinks included.

Koh Samui Cost of Living vs Visiting

While often viewed as a resort destination, Koh Samui has quietly become one of Thailand’s better options for long-term travel and digital nomads.

With stable internet, affordable month-to-month rentals, and a relaxed pace of life, it’s well-suited for those staying more than a few weeks.

Thanks to its airport, Koh Samui is also highly connected, with frequent daily flights to Bangkok, making it easy to arrive or continue onward to anywhere in the world.

On average, monthly living costs range between $1,200–$1,800 USD (฿43,000–฿65,000) depending on how you live.

Rentals typically start around $400–$800 USD (฿14,000–฿28,000) for a one-bedroom apartment, with higher-end options nearing $1,400 USD (฿50,000).

Food costs add another $250–$800 USD (฿9,000–฿28,000) per month depending on how much you dine out or cook at home.

Scooter rentals for long stays usually cost $100–$150 USD (฿3,500–฿5,300) per month, and many rentals include Wi-Fi or utilities.

Reliable fiber internet is widely available in long-stay accommodations, and Koh Samui has a handful of solid coworking spaces, including Mantra Work Lounge in Chaweng, The Jungle Club for scenic views, and Beachub in Lipa Noi if you want to work steps from the sand.

For digital nomads looking to settle somewhere walkable and affordable, Maenam, Bangrak, and the outskirts of Lamai offer some of the island’s best long-term value. These areas are quieter than Chaweng or central Lamai, but still offer great restaurants, beaches, and connectivity.

Koh Samui Budget Tips: How to Save Money in Koh Samui

Koh Samui may not be the cheapest island in Thailand, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a trip here without overspending.

Whether you’re traveling for a week or planning a longer stay, knowing when to go, where to eat, and how to get around can make a noticeable difference in your overall budget. 

• Visit during shoulder season: If you’re looking to save on flights and accommodation while still enjoying good weather, aim for May through August. It’s slightly less busy, and while you might get occasional rain, prices are noticeably lower than peak season.

• Cash is still king: Many local restaurants, taxis, and market stalls do not accept cards. Always carry enough Thai Baht — and try to minimize ATM withdrawals, as most machines charge ฿200–฿250 ($5–$7 USD) per transaction.

• Use inDrive over Grab: If you’re not renting a scooter, inDrive is usually the cheapest ride-hailing app available. It lets you offer your own fare, making it a solid budget option compared to Grab or traditional taxis.

• Get a local SIM or eSIM: I recommend AIS, they often run airport promos with great data packages. Having mobile data helps with maps, rideshare apps, and restaurant reviews, and more. Another option is a Airalo Esim.

• Book tours online – or through trusted locals: Platforms like Klook, Viator often offer cheaper prices than what you’ll find walking into a beachfront kiosk. It’s also worth checking if your hotel has discounts or recommendations for tours and transport.

• Eat away from the beach: Restaurants along Chaweng or Fisherman’s Village beach roads often charge higher prices for the same dishes you’ll find just a few streets inland. Look for small, local spots with plastic chairs, these are often your best-value meals.
  
• Take advantage of happy hours: Many beach bars and restaurants offer cocktail and beer deals between 4–7pm. It’s a great way to enjoy the sunset without overspending.

• Check out day and night markets: Samui has excellent food markets that serve fresh, cheap, and tasty Thai dishes. That said, prices can vary: markets in popular tourist zones (like central Chaweng or Lamai) tend to charge more than those in lesser-known areas like Maenam or Nathon.

• Avoid common tourist traps: Some tuk-tuk drivers may quote inflated prices or tour operators might push unnecessary add-ons. Always agree on pricing in advance, compare a few vendors, and if something feels off, you can contact the Tourist Police at 1155 for assistance.

Is Koh Samui Cheap or Expensive?

Koh Samui isn’t the cheapest destination in Thailand, but it doesn’t have to break the bank either. Whether you’re here for a luxury escape, a mid-range holiday, or a backpacker-style trip, you can absolutely shape your experience to match your budget.

Compared to places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or even parts of Krabi, Koh Samui tends to be more expensive overall. Like Koh Samui and Krabi, pricing can differ significantly between destinations, especially when it comes to transportation, tours, and accommodation.

This is due in part to Samui’s island location, popularity among international travelers, and reputation for upscale resorts and amenities. That said, compared to Western prices, most things, from massages and meals to tours and transport, are still incredibly affordable.

If you’re a budget traveler, street food, shared transport, and hostels help keep your costs low. If you’re after luxury, Koh Samui has some of the most beautiful high-end resorts and private experiences in Southeast Asia.

At the end of the day, Koh Samui is as cheap or as expensive as you make it. Regardless, Koh Samui and Phuket continue to stand out year after year as Thailand’s most expensive destinations to visit.