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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Cromwell?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Cromwell? 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 laid back, beautiful, and tropical resort island. Many visitors also come to Koh Samui because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a outdoorsy, historical, and cultural town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Cromwell travel costs.

Koh Samui and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Cromwell?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Cromwell are both popular with visitors, Koh Samui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Samui is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cromwell is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, and small town charm. Koh Samui is more touristy than Cromwell and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to The Big Buddha Temple. Cromwell is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Koh Samui different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Koh Samui or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a popular place for skiing. However, Koh Samui is not a skiing destination.

Head to Cromwell for some great skiing and other winter activities. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Koh Samui is not a skiing destination.

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

Cromwell is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Samui is a great resort island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koh Samui has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Koh Samui or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

Koh Samui is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Is Koh Samui or Cromwell Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Cromwell is not a resort destination.

Koh Samui is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Cromwell is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Samui is a great resort island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Samui is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is very popular for the beach. However, Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Koh Samui is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Koh Samui and Cromwell both have excellent 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.

Cromwell is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Cromwell?

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Samui and Cromwell both offer plenty of good spots.

Koh Samui has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Cromwell is a great destination for shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Koh Samui or Cromwell More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Samui or Cromwell Better for Families?

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

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.

Cromwell is a very family-friendly place to visit. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Is Koh Samui or Cromwell Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Cromwell make for a excellent 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.

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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

Koh Samui is a great resort island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

Koh Samui is a resort island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Koh Samui or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Cromwell is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable.

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 Cromwell Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Samui or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Samui than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

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

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

One day in Koh Samui or Cromwell?

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.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the town of Cromwell. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cromwell has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Cromwell?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the outdoorsy destination of Cromwell. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Cromwell?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical town of Cromwell. 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 Cromwell?

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.

Cromwell 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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