Mid-Range Travel Guide: Samui

Accommodation

$35-90 per night

Private rooms in mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms

Food & Dining

$25-55 per day

Mix of local restaurants, beachfront cafes, hotel breakfast, occasional fine dining

Transportation

$12-35 per day

Taxi rides, private transfers, scooter rentals, mix of local transport and convenience options

Activities

$30-75 per day

Island hopping tours, spa treatments, water sports, cultural experiences, guided excursions

Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist beach areas (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use songthaews and local transport instead of taxis for most trips (usually 70-85% savings)

Book accommodation during low season for 25-50% discounts compared to peak periods

Join group tours instead of private excursions (generally 40-70% less expensive per person)

Shop at local convenience stores and cook simple meals occasionally (can reduce food costs by 50%)

Rent a scooter for multiple days instead of daily taxi rides (typically 60-80% transportation savings)

Visit temples and beaches for free activities rather than paid attractions daily

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning local transport options (can triple transportation costs)

Eating only at beachfront tourist restaurants (typically 100-200% markup over local spots)

Booking last-minute accommodation during high season (usually 40-80% more expensive than advance booking)

Paying for expensive resort spa treatments instead of local massage shops (often 300-500% price difference)