What is the average daily budget for a family of four on Koh Samui?

Plan $60–$80 (budget), $120–$170 (mid-range), or $220–$300 (comfort) per day including hotel, food, local transport, and a couple of paid activities.

When is the cheapest time to visit Koh Samui?

July–November (rainy season) offers the lowest hotel rates and smaller crowds. December–February is peak season with the highest prices; March–June is shoulder season.

Where should families stay on Koh Samui?

Bophut (Fisherman’s Village) is very family-friendly; Lamai offers good value; Maenam is quiet for long stays; Chaweng is lively but typically pricier.

What are typical hotel prices for families on Koh Samui?

Budget rooms are $25–$45 per night, mid-range resorts $70–$120, and luxury beachfront properties $150+ per night.

What is the cheapest way to get around Koh Samui with kids?

Use songthaews (shared taxis) for short hops and pre-book taxis or minivans for airport and ferry transfers. Scooters are not ideal with young kids.

Do kids get discounts at attractions and ferries on Koh Samui?

Yes. Many tours, temples, and ferries offer child fares or free entry for younger children; policies vary by age/height, so bring student ID where possible.

Koh Samui Travel Costs for Families in 2025: Complete Budget Guide

Q: How much does a family trip to Koh Samui cost?

For 7 days, expect $420–$560 (budget), $840–$1,190 (mid-range), or $1,540–$2,100 (comfort). Prices checked August 2025 using $1 ≈ 35 THB.

Barry
Aug 20
5 min read

Updated: Aug 26

Koh Samui Travel Costs for Families: At-a-Glance (2025)

Daily (Family of 4)

Low: $60–$80
Mid: $120–$170
Comfort: $220–$300

Trip Totals

3 Days: Low $180–$240 | Mid $360–$510 | Comfort $660–$900
5 Days: Low $300–$400 | Mid $600–$850 | Comfort $1,100–$1,500
7 Days: Low $420–$560 | Mid $840–$1,190 | Comfort $1,540–$2,100
10 Days: Low $600–$800 | Mid $1,200–$1,700 | Comfort $2,200–$3,000

Planning a family trip to Koh Samui in 2025? Wondering how much you’ll spend on beach hotels, island food, transport, and activities? We’ve been there—literally. Traveling with two kids, we explored Koh Samui’s beaches, night markets, and jungle attractions while tracking every dollar spent.

In this guide, we’ll break down Koh Samui travel costs for families based on our real experiences, updated 2025 prices, and money-saving tips. Whether you’re a backpacking family or looking for beachfront comfort, you’ll find all the info you need to budget your island trip without stress.

👉 For more Thailand planning, also check our Thailand on a Budget guide.

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) statue in Koh Samui, Thailand, with golden ornaments and blue sky — The iconic Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) in Koh Samui is one of the island’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit for families exploring local culture.

Why Koh Samui is a Great Family Destination on a Budget

Compared to other tropical islands, Koh Samui offers excellent value for families. You’ll find mid-range resorts with pools, cheap local eats, and free beaches almost everywhere. Activities like waterfalls, temples, and night markets are very affordable—or free.

Koh Samui Seasonal Price Changes

High season (Dec–Feb): +20–30% hotel rates, especially near Christmas/New Year.
Shoulder season (Mar–Jun): Hotter weather, moderate prices.
Low season (Jul–Nov): Rainy season, lowest prices, fewer crowds.
Events: Loy Krathong (Nov) and Full Moon parties nearby on Koh Phangan can impact ferry/hotel rates.

Best Areas in Koh Samui for Families & Cost Differences

Chaweng: Most developed, wide beach, mid–high prices ($90+ mid-range resorts).
Lamai: Slightly quieter, budget hotels from $30/night.
Bophut (Fisherman’s Village): Family-friendly, boutique hotels ($70–$120).
👉 We often stay at Idyllic Samui Resort, a boutique resort in Bophut run by Dutch owners Hans and Lana. The atmosphere is personal, warm, and perfect for families. The manager, Volker (half German, half Thai), always goes the extra mile to make families feel at home.
Maenam: Peaceful, great for long stays, budget options ($25–$40).

Methodology & Currency Note

Prices checked August 2025 while staying in Koh Samui. Based on our trip plus updated hotel/transport/attraction rates.💱 USD–THB exchange rate used: $1 ≈ 35 THB. Always double-check before booking.

Average Daily Costs for Families in Koh Samui

1. Accommodation

Budget hotels & hostels: $25–$45 per night (family room, fan or A/C).
Mid-range resorts: $70–$120 per night (3–4 stars, pool, breakfast).
Luxury resorts: $150+ per night (beachfront villas, kids’ clubs, spa).

Best Family Resorts in Koh Samui (2025 Comparison)

Resort	Price Range (per night)	Why Families Love It	Book Here
Idyllic Samui Resort – Bophut	$120–$180	Boutique resort run by Dutch owners Hans & Lana. Spacious villas, Private pools, Private beach. Personal service by manager Volker (German/Thai).	Check Idyllic Samui on Agoda →
Banana Fan Sea Resort – Chaweng	$100–$150	Beachfront, large pool, walking distance to Chaweng Night Market. Great mix of convenience & comfort.	See rates on Agoda →
Santiburi Koh Samui – Maenam	$250–$350	5-star luxury with kids’ club, golf, and spa. Huge family villas with private gardens. Perfect for splurge stays.	Compare prices on Agoda →

Children jumping into a private villa pool at Idyllic Samui Resort in Bophut, Koh Samui — Family-friendly villas with private pools at Idyllic Samui Resort in Bophut – a boutique hideaway perfect for kids and parents alike.

2. Food & Drinks

Street food & night markets: $1–$3 per dish (pad thai, satay, fruit shakes).
Local restaurants: $5–$9 per meal.
Western restaurants: $12–$25 per person.

👉 Don’t miss Fisherman’s Village Walking Street for family-friendly dining and souvenirs.

3. Transport

Songthaews (shared taxis): $1–$3 per ride.
Private taxis/Grab: $5–$15 depending on distance.
Scooter rental: $6–$10/day (not recommended with small kids).
Ferry to Koh Phangan/Koh Tao: $5–$20/person.

👉 For ferry tickets and airport transfers, book via 12Go Asia to secure seats in advance.

4. Activities & Entertainment

Beach days: Free.
Temple visits (Wat Plai Laem, Big Buddha): Free–$2 donation.
Waterfalls (Na Muang): Free–$3 per person.
Boat tours & snorkeling: $25–$45 per person.
Cooking classes: $30–$50 per person.

A Buddhist monk giving a blessing to a young girl at the Big Golden Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) in Koh Samui, Thailand — We (our family) receiving a traditional blessing from a monk at the Big Golden Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), one of Koh Samui’s most spiritual landmarks.

5. Other Costs

SIM card with data: $8–$12.
Snacks & drinks: $5–$10/day.
Souvenirs: $10–$25/day.

👉 Order your E-sim upfront on amazon.com

Example Family Budgets in Koh Samui

Style	Per Day	7 Days	10 Days
Low	$60–$80	$420–$560	$600–$800
Mid	$120–$170	$840–$1,190	$1,200–$1,700
Comfort	$220–$300	$1,540–$2,100	$2,200–$3,000

How to Save Money in Koh Samui with Kids

Stay in Maenam or Lamai for budget hotels.
Eat at night markets instead of beach restaurants.
Use songthaews for short rides.
Book combo snorkeling or island tours.
Choose resorts with free breakfast + pool access.

Our Koh Samui Family Budget Experience

In July 2024, we spent $2,100 for 7 days in Koh Samui as a family of four (~$300/day).

👉 We often stay at Idyllic Samui Resort, a boutique resort in Bophut run by Dutch owners Hans and Lana. The atmosphere is personal, warm, and perfect for families. The manager, Volker (half German, half Thai), always goes the extra mile to make families feel at home.

Splurges: Ang Thong Marine Park boat tour + beachfront dinners.
Savings: Free temples, night market food, Bophut beach days.

Family with two kids ordering Thai street food at a Koh Samui night market stall under an orange canopy — Budget-friendly dinner at a Koh Samui (Fishermans village) night market—fresh street food that’s fun, fast, and perfect for families.

Where to Book Accommodation & Activities

Hotels: Agoda, Expedia
Transport: 12Go Asia
Tours: Viator

Final Tips for Planning Your Koh Samui Budget

Koh Samui can be as budget-friendly—or as luxurious—as you want. Balance your trip with free attractions and a few special splurges, and you’ll create unforgettable family memories without overspending.

FAQ – Koh Samui Travel Costs for Families

How much does a family trip to Koh Samui cost?

Around $420–$560 (low), $840–$1,190 (mid), $1,540–$2,100 (comfort) for 7 days.

Is Koh Samui expensive for families?

No—affordable compared to other tropical islands, especially with street food and free beaches.

What’s the average hotel price for a family in Koh Samui?

$70–$120/night for mid-range resorts with pools.

Can you visit Koh Samui on a budget with kids?

Yes—choose Maenam or Lamai for budget stays, use songthaews, and enjoy free beaches.

How much spending money per day in Koh Samui?

$60–$80 (budget) to $170/day (mid-range).

Best way to get around Koh Samui with kids?

Songthaews for short rides, pre-booked taxis or minivans for airport/ferry transfers.

Do kids get discounts at attractions?

Yes—many tours and classes have reduced child fares.

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