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

Should you visit Tartu or Koh Samui?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Koh Samui can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tartu

Tartu is a lively, intellectual, and student-oriented university town. Tartu offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a laid back, beautiful, and tropical 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.

Tartu and Koh Samui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Koh Samui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Tartu and Koh Samui are popular destinations, Koh Samui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Samui is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tartu attracts visitors for its historical sights. Koh Samui is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also well known for The Big Buddha Temple. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Koh Samui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Koh Samui is a great resort island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Koh Samui Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for nightlife.

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.

Tartu offers plenty to do in the evening. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

Is Tartu or Koh Samui Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tartu is not a resort destination.

Koh Samui is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Tartu is not a resort destination.

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

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

Koh Samui is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Tartu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tartu or Koh Samui Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for the beach. However, Tartu is not a beach destination.

Koh Samui is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

Is Tartu or Koh Samui Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Koh Samui Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for hiking. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is a resort island with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Koh Samui has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Tartu or Koh Samui More Beautiful?

Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Is Tartu or Koh Samui Better for Families?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Tartu is a family-friendly place to visit. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

Is Tartu or Koh Samui Better for Couples?

Koh Samui is a great resort island for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Koh Samui is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

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

For backpackers, both Tartu and Koh Samui are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

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 Tartu or Koh Samui Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Tartu. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Koh Samui is not popular with students.

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

Tartu and Koh Samui both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the 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 Tartu or Koh Samui a more walkable city?

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

Tartu is a very walkable destination. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Samui or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Koh Samui?

Both Tartu 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 Tartu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 3-7 days is enough time in Koh Samui.

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

One day in Tartu or Koh Samui?

You'll find nightlife around the university town of Tartu. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tartu has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this rainforest-covered destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tartu or Koh Samui?

You'll find nightlife around the student-oriented destination of Tartu. 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 university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Koh Samui?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the intellectual university town of Tartu. 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 fun place to experience. In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Koh Samui?

Tartu 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.

In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this tropical destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget 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 Tartu and Koh Samui, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tartu 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 Tartu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tartu 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 Tartu Expensive? and Is Koh Samui Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Koh Samui?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu or Koh Samui?

Tartu 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 Tartu or Koh Samui in the Summer?

Both Koh Samui and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Tartu is cooler than Koh Samui in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. In July, Tartu usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Koh Samui in the Autumn?

Both Koh Samui and Tartu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tartu in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.

In the autumn, Tartu is much colder than Koh Samui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tartu in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Koh Samui. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 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 Tartu or Koh Samui in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Koh Samui. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tartu can be very cold during winter. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.

Should I visit Tartu or Koh Samui in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Koh Samui. The spring months attract visitors to Tartu because of the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. Tartu is much colder than Koh Samui in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Koh Samui. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 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 Tartu