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

Should you visit Tallinn or Koh Samui?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Koh Samui, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a whimsical, historical, and charming city. Many visitors also come to Tallinn 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 Tallinn travel costs.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a lush, laid back, and beautiful resort island. Koh Samui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Tallinn and Koh Samui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Koh Samui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Tallinn and Koh Samui are both popular with visitors, Koh Samui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Samui is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Tallinn is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Koh Samui is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to The Big Buddha Temple.

How is Tallinn different from Koh Samui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Tallinn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Samui is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Koh Samui has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Koh Samui Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Tallinn is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

Is Tallinn or Koh Samui Better for Resorts?

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

Koh Samui offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Samui is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Samui to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallinn or Koh Samui Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Koh Samui are among the best in 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.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Koh Samui Better for its Old Town?

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

Tallinn offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallinn or Koh Samui Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Samui. 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.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Koh Samui?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

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 Tallinn or Koh Samui More Beautiful?

Tallinn and Koh Samui are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic scenery.

Tallinn is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The beautiful architecture and impressive old town makes this a top tourist destination in Eastern Europe.

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.

Is Tallinn or Koh Samui Better for Families?

Koh Samui is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Koh Samui is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Tallinn. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

Is Tallinn or Koh Samui Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Koh Samui are both very good to visit as a couple.

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

Couples visit Koh Samui frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Tallinn or Koh Samui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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 Tallinn or Koh Samui Better for Students?

Tallinn is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Samui is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Tallinn. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Koh Samui is not popular with students.

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

Tallinn 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 Tallinn can get you to most places easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

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 Tallinn or Koh Samui a more walkable city?

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

Tallinn is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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 Tallinn Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Samui or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Koh Samui?

Both Tallinn 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 Tallinn. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 3-7 days is enough time in Koh Samui.

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Tallinn. 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 Tallinn. 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn.

One day in Tallinn or Koh Samui?

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Tallinn. 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.

In Koh Samui, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Tallinn or Koh Samui?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Tallinn. 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.

In Koh Samui, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallinn or Koh Samui?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Tallinn. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Samui has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Koh Samui?

Tallinn 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. In Koh Samui, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Koh Samui?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Koh Samui?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Koh Samui in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Koh Samui. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Tallinn is cooler than Koh Samui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Koh Samui in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Koh Samui. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.

In October, Tallinn is generally much colder than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Koh Samui. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season.

Should I visit Tallinn or Koh Samui in the Winter?

Both Koh Samui and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. Tallinn is much colder than Koh Samui in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February.

Should I visit Tallinn or Koh Samui in the Spring?

Both Koh Samui and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the spring. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Koh Samui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Koh Samui. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Tallinn