Koh Samui on a budget; is it even possible? Of course, it is; anywhere in Thailand can be done cheaply, including the trendy island tourists dream of coming to for the perfect escape in paradise. The problem is affordability; once you have paid for your flights, ferry trip and luxury accommodation, the budget can be a little thin for the rest of your trip to Koh Samui. However, with some planning, enjoying this stunning island without breaking the bank is possible.

With careful planning, enjoying a truly unforgettable experience on Koh Samui without blowing your budget is possible. For starters, plenty of free activities, such as spending time on one of the many beautiful beaches or hiking through the verdant jungle. In addition, plenty of cheap eateries offer delicious Thai food at a fraction of the price you would pay in a hotel restaurant.

Saving money for your Koh Samui holidays can be easy if you follow a few simple steps, which I used when venturing onto the island. Sometimes you will need to be bullish and polite and stand your ground in the process but in a way where you respect the local’s customs and values.

 

 

 

Koh Samui on a Budget – How to Save Those Few Extra Dollars

Koh Samui is a beautiful island in Thailand that is perfect for a tropical getaway in another magical Southeast Asia destination. However, it can be easy to overspend while you’re on vacation. Here are a few handy tips if you want to save money on your trip to Koh Samui.

 

Is Koh Samui Cheap?

The answer to this question is subjective and depends on your definition of “cheap.” Koh Samui will not be cheap if you look for luxury accommodations and five-star restaurants. However, if you are willing to rough it and eat at local eateries, you can find affordable housing and food options.

Generally, prices on Koh Samui are higher than in other parts of Thailand but lower than in some other popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. So, if you are looking for a cheap vacation destination, Koh Samui may not be the best option. However, if you are willing to spend more money, you can find excellent accommodation and activities deals.

 

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How much spending money for Koh Samui

How much is spending money for Koh Samui required when travelling? Well, it’s like asking how long is a piece of string. Every traveller has unique spending habits, so it’s impossible to give a definitive answer.

However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when budgeting for your trip. First, consider the cost of accommodation and transportation. These are typically the most significant travel expenses, so factoring them into your budget is essential. Second, think about what you like to do on holiday. You must budget accordingly if you enjoy dining out and exploring local attractions.

Lastly, don’t forget to account for unexpected expenses. No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something you didn’t anticipate will come up. By keeping these things in mind, you can better understand how much spending money you’ll need for your trip to Koh Samui.

 

Take a ride on the back of the ute – Tuc Tuc Style.

Getting aboard on the back of a sheltered ute with wooden seating on the sides doesn’t sound too comfortable, but the tuc-tuc style of transportation can be found everywhere on the island. And it costs half the price of a taxi! The main point is that this unique form of transportation is safe, as the driver goes along the dodgy roads of Samui at reasonable speeds.

The wooden seating is comfortable for the short time you are travelling. Plus, you get a refreshing cool breeze which is as good as an air conditioner. This is much appreciated as you travel from shopping malls to your Koh Samui Resorts.

The Ute mode of transportation won’t take you to your intended destination, as it only travels along the main road and doesn’t veer off track to take you directly to your planned location. But it’s a great way to see the island and experience a unique form of transportation!

 

 

 

Don’t get bullied by the taxi driver.

Taking a taxi around Koh Samui can be a bit of an adventure. Unlike the rest of Thailand, taxis on the island are not metered. This can make tourists feel uncomfortable and worry about getting ripped off.

The best way to handle this is not to take the first price offered by the taxi driver. Instead, drop it down by at least 100 baht. If the driver refuses, move on to the next taxi.

There are no shortages of taxis on the island, so you’re sure to find one willing to accept your offer. By haggling in this way, you can ensure you get a fair price for your ride.

 

 

Book a cruise or day tour on the streets of Chaweng

As any seasoned traveller knows, one of the best ways to save money on vacation is to book tours and activities in advance. But what if you’re looking for a last-minute deal?

In that case, head to Chaweng, the main tourist town on the island of Koh Samui. There you’ll find travel agency booths lining the street, where you can find great deals on the same-day tours and cruises offered at the resort for a fraction of the price. So whether you’re looking to save money or score a great deal, remember to head to Chaweng when planning your next trip to Koh Samui.

Another option is to book a tour online; the power of Google will take you where you need to go, and it’s another big money saver which is just as reputable.

 

 

Barter travellers, BARTER at the markets!

No price tags on the merchandise in stores generally mean only one thing, the shop owner will try and get every penny out of you by driving the prices up. As is the case with the taxis, you need to attempt to barter the price down, and if the shop owner does not come to the party, the chances are the very same product is for sale at a lower price down the road.

In most circumstances, it won’t come down to you leaving the shop. Eventually, the staff member will give as they want your money. Please remember, during any bartering, show respect and do not be rude; at the end of the day, we only discuss cutting the price by a few measly dollars.

 

 

Beer is cheap, so drink up responsibly.

Resort beer is a lot more expensive than the drinks served in a bar on the beach or the bars on the main city streets, and that even includes the resorts’ happy hours. So avoid the seduction of a five-hour happy hour and head for a cheap and cold beer or delicious cocktails. Most Koh Samui Beach Resorts will have a privately-owned bar near your accommodation, even if the resort you are staying at is isolated. Beryl Bar near Mai Samui Resort was a real winner for me.

Be sure to take advantage of the great deals on beer at the supermarkets. You can save 50% off resort prices by purchasing your beer at the supermarket. Just be sure to check the liquor laws before you buy, as you cannot purchase alcohol in supermarkets or seven-eleven stores between 2 pm and 5 pm. But don’t worry; you can still enjoy a refreshing beer at the bar, restaurant or resort. So

 

 

 

Take Advantage of Free Activities in Koh Samui

Are you holidaying at Koh Samui on a budget? No problem! You can take advantage of the island’s many free activities, such as spending time on the beach or exploring the local markets. It doesn’t end there; you can take beautiful walks along the shores and visit a few waterfalls.

The Thai Island has many activities to take your fancy, and if you stay at the right resort, they may have a few moves, like beach activities, Yoga sessions and fitness classes, which you can do at no extra charge.

 

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Save your dough at Koh Samui Restaurants too.

Now the resort dining prices, at least where I stayed, were pretty good compared to resorts in Australia or other places worldwide. However, Koh Samui food prices are affordable and go to another level if you get out of the resort and into the restaurants nearby, where you can save 50 per cent on outside meals.

In further good news, the food outside the resort can be just as good as the food in the resorts, as the locals can cook a bloody good meal and take a lot of pride in their work.

Another information for eating options in Samui is the street food stalls, especially in Chaweng. The stalls are affordable, and the cooked food is healthy and shouldn’t leave you with a stomach bug, although I cannot guarantee that.

 

 

Stay at Koh Samui Budget Hotels

You don’t always have to stay in lavish resorts in Koh Samui; you can choose to stay in budget hotels at an affordable price that is clean and comfortable and will still give you that luxury feel. You can consider staying in a guesthouse or hostel instead of a hotel.

There are many affordable options available that will still provide you with comfortable accommodations. So check out Booking.com  and find your ideal and reasonable Koh Samui budget accommodation on the island. That means you can spend your money elsewhere.

There you have a few pointers on how to stay in Koh Samui on a budget and save a few extra dollars that can be spent elsewhere on the island or perhaps put away for another holiday down the track. For now, let’s live it up in paradise.

Heading to Koh Samui, check out this handy travel guide for your travels on the island. 

 

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