Koh Phanganis 28% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (40/10) vs Koh Samui "Fair" (40/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $19/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 8.8 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $48/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $66/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.14, dorms avg $20
★★★★★
Coffee $2.31, dorms avg $19
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.33, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.25, 15 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
23 attractions
★★★★★
18 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇭 Koh Phangan | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $15 cheaper | $21 | $6/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $28 cheaper | $40 | $12/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $55 cheaper | $74 | $18/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇭 Koh Phangan | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $2.60 46% less | $4.82 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $10.20 37% less | $16.08 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.33 | $2.25 3% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.14 7% less | $2.31 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.98 39% less | $1.61 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇹🇭▼
Koh Phangan
Thailand
40
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels). Plenty to see (30 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBunkhouse Koh Phangan (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels15
🇹🇭▼
Koh Samui
Thailand
40
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels). Plenty to see (18 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelDk1 Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (60d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Koh Phangan & Koh Samui
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
27°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 99mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
31°C
High
/
28°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 88mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
1. Baan Tai Elephant Trekking
2. Biggest Yang Na Yai Tree
3. Buddha
4. Dom Sila Viewpoint
5. Dragon Statue
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
1. Mermaid
2. 360
3. Art supplies in Samui Town Center
4. Chinese masterpiece of art
5. Escape Beach Resort
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Koh Phangan or Koh Samui cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Koh Phangan vs Koh Samui?+
Do I need a visa for Koh Phangan or Koh Samui?+
When is the best time to visit Koh Phangan or Koh Samui?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Koh Phangan and Koh Samui?+
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