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

Should you visit Koh Samet or Tokyo?

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

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

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?

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo is $190. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samet $37
    Tokyo $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samet $74
    Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo


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 and Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samet $79
    Tokyo $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Haneda Airport to Tokyo One Way Transfer : $14
  • Private Airport Transfer Haneda Airport to or from Tokyo City: $20
  • Disneyland or Disneysea Transfer to or from Tokyo English Driver: $20
  • Haneda Airport Private Transfer to Tokyo/Yokohama/MountFuji/Osaka: $42
  • Hotel Transfer to/from Disneyland or DisneySea: $42
  • Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $54
  • DECKS Tokyo Beach & Odaiba 1 Way Door to Door Shared Transfer: $56
  • Private transfer from Central Tokyo to Disney Resort: $62
  • Tokyo City: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Yokohama City: $63
  • Airport Shuttle Arrival Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Tokyo City: $65
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo Hotel to Haneda Airport: $66
  • Shared Arrival Transfer : Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo City: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $67

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.41
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.41
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tsukiji Food Tour Explore Markets and Temples in Tokyo: $18
  • Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
  • Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $34
  • Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $34
  • For First Time Visitor:Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $34
  • Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
  • Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $44
  • Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
  • Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $51
  • Tokyo private hidden food tour: $55
  • Mastering the Grill A Ninja Yakiniku A5 Wagyu Dinner in Nippori : $56
  • Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samet $10
    Tokyo $71

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • Tokyo 4‑Day Self‑Guided PDF Tour of Senso‑ji, Shibuya and more: $3.42
  • Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.42
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Guided Tour: $3.46
  • Self-Guided Tour of Tokyo's Hidden Alleys: $3.57
  • Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
  • Tokyo Asakusa & Senso-ji Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
  • Tokyo Metro Subway Ticket: $8.85
  • Horse Racing Tour with Local Fans in Tokyo: $10
  • Shibuya drinking tour: $10
  • Gyoda Oshi Castle Ninja Experience : $11
  • Tokyo Subway Ticket : $11
  • Water Bus Ticket Odaiba ↔ Asakusa: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samet $5.38
    Tokyo $34

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $4.06

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:

  • Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $34
  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
  • 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $38
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $114
  • Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $116
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $132
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $142
  • Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
  • From Tokyo:Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $201
  • Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $242


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

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 Tokyo Expensive?.



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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Tokyo. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samet in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In the summer, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in July than Tokyo. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Samet 28°C (82°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Tokyo in the Autumn?

Both Tokyo 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 27°C (81°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Samet 27°C (81°F) 
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

Koh Samet is much warmer than Tokyo in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Samet. In the winter, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.

Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Tokyo. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Samet 25°C (77°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Koh Samet or Tokyo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Koh Samet is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samet in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Tokyo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Koh Samet, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Samet 29°C (84°F) 
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Koh Samet

Koh Samet Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)