A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Amsterdam for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Amsterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a lush, laid back, and beautiful 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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come to Amsterdam because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Amsterdam travel costs.

Koh Samui and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam. Although Koh Samui and Amsterdam are both popular with visitors, Amsterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amsterdam is more popular for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Samui is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Koh Samui is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Amsterdam is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum.

How is Koh Samui different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a great city for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Amsterdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Samui is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Koh Samui or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find fantastic options in both Koh Samui and Amsterdam.

Koh Samui has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Amsterdam is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Is Koh Samui or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Koh Samui is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Koh Samui is not a live music destination.

Is Koh Samui or Amsterdam Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

Koh Samui offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

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

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

Many visitors go to Koh Samui to enjoy 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.

Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Amsterdam Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Samui are among the best in the world. 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.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Samui or Amsterdam Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

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.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Koh Samui is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Koh Samui or Amsterdam More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of fantastic scenery and beauty in both Koh Samui and Amsterdam.

Many visitors also come to Koh Samui because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

You'll find world class beauty in Amsterdam as well. With its beautiful canals, historic churches, and relaxing parks, this is a beautiful city.

Is Koh Samui or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Koh Samui is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known 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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Koh Samui or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Amsterdam make for a very good place to visit.

Koh Samui is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

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

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Amsterdam, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Koh Samui. 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.

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

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for its public transit.

Public transit in Amsterdam is top-notch. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Koh Samui has a few public transit options. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Is Koh Samui or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Amsterdam is a very easy city to get around on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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 Koh Samui Worth Visiting? and Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

Both Koh Samui and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Amsterdam has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Amsterdam than Koh Samui. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Koh Samui 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort island of Koh Samui. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Koh Samui. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

You'll find nightlife and food around the rainforest-covered resort island of Koh Samui. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort island has to offer.

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

Koh Samui is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Samui, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Amsterdam is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Samui is in Asia and Amsterdam is in Europe, 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Amsterdam, 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 Koh Samui or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam 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 Koh Samui or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Amsterdam. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Amsterdam. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Koh Samui is much warmer than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Koh Samui during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In the winter, Koh Samui is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In April, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Koh Samui