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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Dubrovnik? 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. Many visitors also come to Koh Samui because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a charming, famous, and cultural coastal town. Many visitors also come to Dubrovnik because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Dubrovnik travel costs.

Koh Samui and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Dubrovnik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Koh Samui and Dubrovnik are popular destinations, Dubrovnik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dubrovnik is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Koh Samui attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Koh Samui is famous for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also well known for The Old Town Walls.

How is Koh Samui different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dubrovnik is a great coastal town for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town 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, Dubrovnik is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

Koh Samui is a world class party destination. 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 Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Koh Samui or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its resorts.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Dubrovnik. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

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

Koh Samui is a great resort island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dubrovnik is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Is Koh Samui or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Dubrovnik to enjoy the beach. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Is Koh Samui or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Dubrovnik offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Samui or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Koh Samui and Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is a popular spot for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Dubrovnik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Samui and Dubrovnik both offer plenty of nice 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.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Koh Samui or Dubrovnik More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of first-rate scenery and beauty in both Koh Samui and Dubrovnik.

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 Dubrovnik as well. This historic city has a famous walled old town. It sits beautifully along the coast and offers stunning views of the area.

Is Koh Samui or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

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

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.

Dubrovnik is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Koh Samui or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for couples. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for romance.

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

Koh Samui is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town 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 Dubrovnik, as it is a very popular coastal town for budget travelers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Samui and Dubrovnik both offer nice 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.

Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Koh Samui or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Dubrovnik is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls 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 Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Dubrovnik?

In either Koh Samui or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Samui than Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

Families should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Koh Samui. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubrovnik, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Koh Samui or Dubrovnik?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint coastal town of Dubrovnik. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubrovnik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Dubrovnik?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid back 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Dubrovnik. 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 coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Dubrovnik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the lush 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic coastal town of Dubrovnik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

A week in Koh Samui or Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Dubrovnik?

Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Koh Samui during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Koh Samui is a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Dubrovnik. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Dubrovnik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Dubrovnik. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Koh Samui is much warmer than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Koh Samui