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

Should you visit Koh Samet or Okinawa?

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

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

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?

Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Okinawa or Koh Samet?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $133, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koh Samet and Okinawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samet $37
    Okinawa $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samet $74
    Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Okinawa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Koh Samet


Hotels in Okinawa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Samet Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samet $79
    Okinawa $9.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:

  • Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
  • Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Okinawa?

Prices for flights to both Okinawa and Koh Samet 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Samet $54
    Okinawa $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Okinawa.

  • Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samet $10
    Okinawa $14

Tours and Activities in Okinawa

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:

  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $23
  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $23
  • Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Okinawa Shop: $38
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
  • Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $48
  • Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour: $49
  • Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $51
  • Tropical Dream , Ryukyu Mura, Banta Cafe Bus Tour: $53
  • Kintsugi Accessory Experience in Naha, Okinawa: $53
  • Okinawa Hip-hop Bus A Course Tour|Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $54
  • 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samet $5.38
    Okinawa $15


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samet and Okinawa, we can see that Koh Samet 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.

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 Okinawa Expensive?.



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

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa 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. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samet in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Okinawa averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Okinawa. Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In July, Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of rain as Okinawa. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Samet 28°C (82°F) 
    Okinawa 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Koh Samet is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 27°C (81°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the autumn, Koh Samet often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in October than Okinawa. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Samet 27°C (81°F) 
    Okinawa 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Koh Samet is much warmer than Okinawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Koh Samet, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Samet 25°C (77°F) 
    Okinawa 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Okinawa. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In the spring, Koh Samet is a little warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samet in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Okinawa averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Samet this time of the year. In the spring, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Samet 29°C (84°F) 
    Okinawa 22°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Koh Samet

Koh Samet Okinawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 22°C (71°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)