A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samet vs. Hongcun for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Samet or Hongcun?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Hongcun, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Koh Samet or Hongcun?

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?

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Hongcun, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Koh Samet would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samet than you might in Hongcun.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samet Expensive? and Is Hongcun Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Hongcun?

Hongcun has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samet experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Hongcun in the Summer?

Both Hongcun and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year.

In the summer, Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Hongcun. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samet in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hongcun averages at about 29°C (85°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In July, Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hongcun. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Hongcun in the Autumn?

Both Hongcun and Koh Samet during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Koh Samet is generally a little warmer than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 27°C (81°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in October than Hongcun. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Hongcun in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Hongcun. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round.

Hongcun can be very cold during winter. Koh Samet is much warmer than Hongcun in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Hongcun fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Hongcun in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Hongcun. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Koh Samet is much warmer than Hongcun. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samet in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Hongcun averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Hongcun. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in April than Hongcun. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hongcun and Koh Samet