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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Bandung?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Bandung? 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 tropical, rainforest-covered, and lush resort island. Koh Samui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Bandung

Bandung is a laidback, cultural, and scenic city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Bandung travel costs.

Koh Samui and Bandung: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Bandung?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Bandung, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Samui is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Bandung is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Koh Samui is more touristy than Bandung and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Bandung is well known for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures.

How is Koh Samui different from Bandung?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bandung 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 Bandung?

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

Bandung offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bandung is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Bandung is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Koh Samui makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Koh Samui or Bandung Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Koh Samui is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Bandung has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Is Koh Samui or Bandung Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Samui is a great choice. 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.

Bandung is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Samui is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Koh Samui. 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.

Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Bandung Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Bandung is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Samui. 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.

Bandung is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Bandung Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Koh Samui and Bandung both have high quality trails.

Many visitors go to Koh Samui for the hiking trails. 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.

Bandung is a popular spot for hiking. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Bandung?

Bandung is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for shopping.

Many people travel to Bandung specifically to go shopping. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

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 Bandung More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Samui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Samui or Bandung Better for Families?

Koh Samui is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Koh Samui is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Is Koh Samui or Bandung Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Bandung make for a high quality 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.

Bandung is a very popular place to visit for couples. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

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

For backpackers, both Koh Samui and Bandung are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bandung. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Is Koh Samui or Bandung Better for Students?

Bandung is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Samui is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Bandung. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Koh Samui is not popular with students.

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

Koh Samui and Bandung both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Koh Samui offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Bandung has a few public transit options. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Is Koh Samui or Bandung a more walkable city?

Bandung is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Bandung is a very walkable destination. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

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 Bandung Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bandung or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Bandung?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Samui and Bandung. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Samui than in Bandung. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bandung.

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Bandung. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bandung 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 Bandung.

One day in Koh Samui or Bandung?

In Koh Samui, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bandung. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Bandung?

In Koh Samui, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Bandung. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Bandung?

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Samui has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laidback city of Bandung. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Samui or Bandung?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. In Koh Samui, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Bandung is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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

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 Bandung Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Bandung?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Bandung, 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.