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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Queenstown?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Queenstown? 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. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Samui as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a active, adventure-filled, and outdoorsy city. With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Queenstown travel costs.

Koh Samui and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Queenstown, 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 Queenstown is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, hiking, and shopping. Koh Samui is more touristy than Queenstown and is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Queenstown is well known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery.

How is Koh Samui different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Koh Samui or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for skiing. However, Koh Samui is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Queenstown should be on your list. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Koh Samui is not a skiing destination.

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

Queenstown is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Queenstown 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, Queenstown is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Koh Samui just to party. 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.

Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Koh Samui or Queenstown Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Samui is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for hiking. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Koh Samui is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Queenstown?

Queenstown is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

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 Queenstown More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Samui as well. 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.

The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Is Koh Samui or Queenstown Better for Families?

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

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.

Queenstown is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Koh Samui or Queenstown Better for Couples?

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

Queenstown makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown 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 Queenstown, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

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

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Koh Samui is not popular with students.

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

Koh Samui and Queenstown 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.

Queenstown has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Koh Samui or Queenstown a more walkable city?

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

Queenstown is a very walkable destination. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached 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 Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Queenstown?

Both Koh Samui and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Queenstown has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Queenstown than Koh Samui. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Samui or Queenstown?

With shopping and nightlife around the laid back resort island of Koh Samui, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Queenstown. 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 Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Samui, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the outdoorsy destination of Queenstown. 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 Queenstown?

Koh Samui, a popular resort island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this resort island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the bustling city of Queenstown. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Koh Samui or Queenstown?

Koh Samui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this resort island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this resort island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Queenstown is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Queenstown, 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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Queenstown?

Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Queenstown, 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.