A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Koh Samui for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cesis or Koh Samui?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Koh Samui can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cesis

Cesis is a authentic, natural, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a laid back, beautiful, and tropical resort island. The famous beauty of Koh Samui is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Cesis and Koh Samui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Koh Samui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Cesis and Koh Samui are both popular with visitors, Koh Samui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Samui is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Koh Samui is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to The Big Buddha Temple. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Koh Samui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Samui and Cesis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Cesis or Koh Samui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Samui is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Koh Samui. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole-in-the-wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not-to-be-missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Koh Samui is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is renowned for its resorts. However, Cesis is not a resort destination.

Koh Samui is a world class resort vacation destination. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

Cesis is not a resort destination.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Samui is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is renowned for the beach. However, Cesis is not a beach destination.

Koh Samui is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

Cesis is not a beach destination.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui Better for its Old Town?

Cesis is adequate for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Cesis is worth visiting. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Samui. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Cesis offers some nice hiking trails. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is a resort island with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Koh Samui offers some nice shopping areas. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Samui is one of the main draws. It's laid back vibe and quintessential beach setting make this a wonderful holiday destination. It's the second largest island in Thailand and there are resorts, hotels, and restaurants for everyone.

Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui Better for Families?

Koh Samui is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Samui is a very kid-friendly resort island. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

Cesis offers lots of family activities. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui Better for Couples?

Koh Samui is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Koh Samui frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

Cesis is a good town for couples to visit. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Samui is well known for backpackers. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Samui is a great resort island to visit for backpackers. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cesis. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Samui is a resort island with good options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Koh Samui, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Public transit is quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Cesis or Koh Samui a more walkable city?

Cesis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable town. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

Koh Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

For even more information, also check out Is Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Samui or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Koh Samui?

Both Cesis and Koh Samui have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Samui than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 3-7 days is enough time in Koh Samui.

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Cesis. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Koh Samui, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Samui than Cesis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Samui that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Samui than Cesis if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Koh Samui.

One day in Cesis or Koh Samui?

Even though Cesis is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cesis has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this lush destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cesis or Koh Samui?

Cesis is a small town where visitors enjoy the . This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Koh Samui?

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Koh Samui is a fun place to experience. In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cesis or Koh Samui?

Cesis is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this rainforest-covered destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Koh Samui, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cesis is in Europe and Koh Samui is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Cesis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cesis 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 Cesis Expensive? and Is Koh Samui Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Koh Samui?

Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Koh Samui, 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 Cesis or Koh Samui?

Cesis 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 Cesis or Koh Samui in the Summer?

Both Koh Samui and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.

In the summer, Cesis is cooler than Koh Samui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in July than Koh Samui. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Koh Samui in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Koh Samui. Many visitors come to Cesis in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Cesis is generally much colder than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cesis usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.

Should I visit Cesis or Koh Samui in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Koh Samui. Most visitors come to Cesis for the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.

Cesis can be very cold during winter. Cesis is much colder than Koh Samui in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Koh Samui. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.

Should I visit Cesis or Koh Samui in the Spring?

Both Koh Samui and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cesis because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Cesis is much colder than Koh Samui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (76°F).

In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Cesis