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

Should you visit Riga or Koh Samui?

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

Should I visit Riga or Koh Samui? 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.

Riga

Riga is a unique, historical, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Riga attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Riga travel costs.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a tropical, rainforest-covered, and lush resort island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Samui as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Riga and Koh Samui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Koh Samui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga. Although Riga and Koh Samui are both popular with visitors, Riga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Riga is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Samui is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Samui is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also home to Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Koh Samui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Riga offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As a capital city with a diverse history, you'll find a number of museums and landmarks in the area. Visitors frequently visit The Freedom Monument, St. Peters Church, the Riga Cathedral, The House of the Black Heads, and any of the many museums around town.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Riga and Koh Samui offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Riga. The city offers a great opportunity to try many Latvian specialties including rasol (a potato salad), pelmeni (a Latvian dumpling), and karbonade (kind of like schnitzel). The cuisine is hearty and filling with lots of bread, dumpling, and meats. Riga is also where you'll find the largest food market in Europe, which is the perfect place to wander and pick up some local items.

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.

Is Riga or Koh Samui Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are first-rate in both Riga and Koh Samui.

Riga is a world class party destination. Despite being a small city, this capital has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere. The historic center comes to life in the evenings, particularly between Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is compact enough that you can walk from club to club and prices are reasonable.

Koh Samui is a must-see 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.

Is Riga or Koh Samui Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

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.

Riga is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Samui is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Koh Samui Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

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.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Koh Samui Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Riga. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming architecture. The city is less touristy than many places in Europe so you can usually avoid the large crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk. During the evening you'll find the area turns into an entertainment district with many clubs and bars.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Koh Samui Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

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.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Koh Samui?

Riga 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 Riga. Some of the most interesting shopping in the city is in the old town. Prices might be a little more expensive than you expect but it's possible to find some unique items. The city also has many markets, including the largest food market in Europe, which is a must-see.

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 Riga or Koh Samui More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Riga 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.

With stunning beauty, Riga attracts visitors from all around. The city's unique architecture is notable for its wooden buildings, which give the city an interesting historical style.

Is Riga or Koh Samui Better for Families?

Koh Samui is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Samui is a very kid-friendly resort island. 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.

Riga is a family-friendly city. During the winter months, there are a number of museums that are fun to explore with kids including the Nature Museum, the Railroad Museum, the Aviation Technology Museum, and the Riga Firefighter Museum. There are also several indoor play areas. When the weather is warmer there are a number of outdoor parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Riga or Koh Samui Better for Couples?

Koh Samui is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Riga is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a charming old town that you can explore, taking time to relax in the city squares or sip coffee at a cafe. There are also many nice restaurants that will make for a romantic date night.

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

Riga 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 Riga, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many affordable hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can grab a cheap meal. The city offers a great European experience at a fraction of the price of many cities.

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 Riga or Koh Samui Better for Students?

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

Riga is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city's affordability and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for international students. There are many places to hang out and a lively nightlife scene that appeals to young travelers.

Koh Samui is not popular with students.

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

Riga is a great city 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.

The public transit in Riga can get you to most places easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

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 Riga or Koh Samui a more walkable city?

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

Riga is a very walkable destination. The city is small enough that most areas can be explored 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 Riga Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Samui or Riga?

How long in Riga or Koh Samui?

Both Riga and Koh Samui have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Samui than in Riga. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 3-7 days is enough time in Koh Samui.

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

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

One day in Riga or Koh Samui?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Riga. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

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.

A weekend in Riga or Koh Samui?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

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.

Five days in Riga or Koh Samui?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Riga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the rainforest-covered 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.

A week in Riga or Koh Samui?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Koh Samui?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Koh Samui, 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 Riga or Koh Samui?

Riga 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 Riga or Koh Samui in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Koh Samui. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Koh Samui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. Riga usually gets less rain in July than Koh Samui. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Koh Samui in the Autumn?

Both Koh Samui and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December.

Should I visit Riga or Koh Samui in the Winter?

Both Koh Samui and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. Riga is much colder than Koh Samui in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Koh Samui. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui.

Should I visit Riga or Koh Samui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Koh Samui. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Koh Samui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (76°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Riga