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

Should you visit Koh Samet or Nagano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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?

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Nagano, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Nagano.

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 Nagano Expensive?.

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

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Nagano. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Samet is a little warmer than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Koh Samet is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during autumn. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Koh Samet during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Samet. In the winter, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Koh Samet is much warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Koh Samet, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during spring. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Nagano. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Koh Samet