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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Brussels?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Brussels? 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 beautiful, tropical, and rainforest-covered resort island. The famous beauty of Koh Samui is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Brussels

Brussels is a cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Brussels travel costs.

Koh Samui and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Brussels?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brussels than Koh Samui, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Brussels is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Samui is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Samui is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Koh Samui different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and Brussels can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Koh Samui has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Koh Samui or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Koh Samui is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Koh Samui or Brussels Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is renowned for its resorts. However, Brussels is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Koh Samui for its luxury resorts. 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.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Samui is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is renowned for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Koh Samui offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Samui or Brussels Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Brussels?

Brussels 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 Brussels specifically to go shopping. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Samui is one of the main draws. 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.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Samui or Brussels Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Brussels.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Samui. 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.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Is Koh Samui or Brussels Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Brussels make for a superb 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.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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

For backpackers, both Koh Samui and Brussels are superb 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 Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Is Koh Samui or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Samui is not popular with students.

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Koh Samui is not popular with students.

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

Brussels 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 Brussels is top-notch. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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 Brussels a more walkable city?

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

Brussels is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Brussels?

In either Koh Samui or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Samui than Brussels because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

One day in Koh Samui or Brussels?

The beautiful resort island of Koh Samui offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Brussels?

Koh Samui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Brussels 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 Brussels?

Koh Samui is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Samui, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

People visit Brussels 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. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Koh Samui or Brussels?

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Samui has to offer. This resort island offers something for everyone.

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Brussels. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Samui is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels 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, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In October, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Brussels. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 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 Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels 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, many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. Koh Samui is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 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 Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Koh Samui is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In April, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brussels. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Koh Samui