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Island vs City Cost Comparator
Bangkok and Chiang Mai are 60% the cost of Koh Samui for a 7-night mid-range stay — but islands are why most people fly 10,000 km. This tool models both sides honestly.
Setup
What this solves
"Can I afford 7 nights on Koh Samui for X THB?" Plus what the realistic per-night cost looks like in each destination tier.
How to read
- Koh Samui / Phuket: resort taxes 7%, transfer fees (1,500–3,000 THB if you don't book it yourself), and restaurant markup.
- Bangkok: cheap hotels, cheap food, but shopping and nightlife can eat money.
- Chiang Mai: cheapest option for "doing nothing" — spa days, cafe culture, soft adventure.
- Hotel rates in monsoon season drop 30–50% — counterweight to rainy days.
Limitations
- Ferry to islands adds 1,000–3,000 THB per person round-trip.
- Doesn't include flights — Bangkok vs Samui flight is 4,000–6,000 THB.
- Diving on Koh Tao: add 8,000–12,000 THB for 2-day Open Water.
FAQ
Why is Koh Samui so much more expensive?
Import costs (most things come by ferry), resort taxes, and a tourism-product that targets higher spenders. Same view, fewer backpackers.
Is Bangkok worth 7 nights?
Yes for first-timers — there's a lot. Bangkok for 7 + day trips to Ayutthaya / Kanchanaburi can be cheaper than 7 nights of island.