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

Should you visit Koh Samui or London?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or London? 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 rainforest-covered, lush, and laid back 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.

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, London attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See London travel costs.

Koh Samui and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or London?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London. Although Koh Samui and London are popular destinations, London has more sights and attractions for tourists. London is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Koh Samui attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Samui is famous for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. London is famous for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben.

Big Ben

How is Koh Samui different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Koh Samui or London Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Koh Samui is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in London draw crowds from around the world. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Koh Samui is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and London can be difficult as they are each great 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, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Koh Samui or London Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find world-class options in both Koh Samui and London.

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.

London is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Is Koh Samui or London Better for Music?

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

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Koh Samui is not a live music destination.

Is Koh Samui or London Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, London is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Koh Samui is a perfect 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.

London is not a resort destination.

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

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

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or London Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is terrific for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Samui is a very popular vacation 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.

London is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or London Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

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.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or London?

London 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 London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, London is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and 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.

London is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city has quaint neighborhoods and stunning architectural landmarks that are not to be missed.

Is Koh Samui or London Better for Families?

London is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, London is a very family-friendly destination. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

Koh Samui is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Koh Samui or London Better for Couples?

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

London makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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 London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London Better for Students?

London is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Samui is not popular with students.

Many students frequent London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Koh Samui is not popular with students.

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

London 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 London is top-notch. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London a more walkable city?

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

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in London or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or London?

Both Koh Samui and London have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, London has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in London than Koh Samui. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Samui or London?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Samui. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

People visit London because there is so much to do. 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 London?

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit London because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit London 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Koh Samui or London?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Koh Samui. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

London is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and London, 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 London?

London 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 London in the Summer?

Both London 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, many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Samui is a little warmer than London in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than London. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samui or London in the Autumn?

Both London 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 visitors come to London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Koh Samui is much warmer than London. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and London averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than London. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 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 London in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and London. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Also, most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

London can be very cold during winter. In January, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as London. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or London in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as London. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Koh Samui is much warmer than London in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Koh Samui usually gets more rain in April than London. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for London and Koh Samui