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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Ubud?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Ubud? 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Ubud

Ubud is a famous, cultural, and breathtaking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Ubud offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ubud travel costs.

Koh Samui and Ubud: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Ubud?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Ubud are popular destinations, Koh Samui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Samui is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Ubud attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Samui is famous for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also well known for The Big Buddha Temple. Ubud is famous for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts.

How is Koh Samui different from Ubud?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ubud offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ubud is an amazing 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, Ubud is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

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 Ubud Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Ubud has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

Is Koh Samui or Ubud Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui and Ubud offer a relatively similar set of amazing luxury resort options.

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.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Ubud is a perfect choice. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

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

Koh Samui is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ubud 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.

Ubud is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Ubud Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ubud 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.

Ubud is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Ubud Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Koh Samui and Ubud both have superb 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.

Ubud is a popular spot for hiking. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Ubud?

Ubud is a great town 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 Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

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 Ubud More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Is Koh Samui or Ubud Better for Families?

Koh Samui is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Samui is known to be 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.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Koh Samui or Ubud Better for Couples?

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

Ubud makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

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 Ubud Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Koh Samui and Ubud 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 Ubud. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

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

Koh Samui is a good destination for its public transit. However, Ubud is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Koh Samui, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Koh Samui or Ubud a more walkable city?

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

Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

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 Ubud Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ubud or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Ubud?

Both Koh Samui and Ubud have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Koh Samui has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Koh Samui than Ubud. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 4-7 days is enough time in Ubud.

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

One day in Koh Samui or Ubud?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Samui. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Ubud. 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.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Ubud?

Koh Samui is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the breathtaking destination of Ubud. 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 town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Ubud?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the laid back destination of Koh Samui. This resort island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the popular town of Ubud. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this 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 town has to offer.

A week in Koh Samui or Ubud?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the rainforest-covered resort island of Koh Samui. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Ubud 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 Ubud, 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, and The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Ubud, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud 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 Ubud Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Ubud?

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