Disclaimer: This post is meant for entertainment purposes—please don’t take it too seriously (leave hate in the comments).
Welcome back to the ultimate Thailand comparison series that nobody asked for.
This time, we’re throwing two titans of the beach holiday destination world into the ring—each staking their claim to glory that could echo for generations.
Koh Samui brings sun, sand, and an island full of pigs (yep, you read that right).
Blackpool? Well, you get £1 burgers, a stick of rock, and the chance to win a knock-off Apple Watch on the 2p machines.
The real question is: how does Blackpool even compete?
Stick around—As I think you might be surprised by the answer…
🥊 Today’s Contenders
Blackpool
This working man’s beach getaway stands tall and proud in the northwest of England, famous for its nuclear-sized seagulls, a BTEC Eiffel Tower, and its iconic local rap scene (if you know, you know).
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the quintessential Thai island escape, treading a fine line between becoming an over-touristic cashbait, and preserving its laid-back island feel.
🏠 Rent & Housing
Koh Samui is already known through the grapevine as a more costly accommodation destination in Thailand.
So, how does it stack up against its British seaside counterpart?
🏖 Koh Samui
- Basic local-style apartment: $250–$400 (≈9,000–15,000 THB)
- Modern condo/villa (Western style, near beach): $600–$1,200 (≈22,000–45,000 THB)
🎢 Blackpool
- Modest 1-bed flat in central Blackpool: £430–£590 (≈20,000–27,500 THB)
- Nicer modern apartment: £630–£870 (≈29,000–40,000 THB)
Verdict: Koh Samui wins — not just on cost, but on quality and location.
You’re on a tropical beach island, for Pete’s sake.
👉 Interesting fact for you — Blackpool’s average rent is roughly 20–30% cheaper than many other UK cities.
🍸 Nightlife
Who does it better — Koh Samui or the northwest of England?
Who knows.
What I do know is both places offer up a unique night out on any budget…
🍺 Blackpool
- Pubs, cheesy clubs, neon lights on the Golden Mile
- Drinks cheap-ish (for the UK)
- Pint of beer: £3.50–£4.50 (≈160–210 THB)
- Basic cocktail: £6–£8 (≈275–370 THB)
- Public urination and fighting
🍹 Koh Samui
- Beach bars, fire shows, reggae spots, full-on club nights
- Drinks cheaper overall:
- Local beer: $2–$3 (≈70–110 THB)
- Cocktail: $4–$6 (≈140–220 baht)
- Pricey Ibiza beach club-type venues
Verdict: I don’t really care too much for either! Sure, there are nice places to chill in Koh Samui, but finding cheap drinks in the UK is like discovering oil.
Let me know in the comments — have you had a night out in either of these places? Who takes the win on this one?
👉 Interesting fact for you — A night out drinking in Blackpool is often around 20–30% cheaper than in many other UK cities.
🚇 Public Transport
It’s more of a “transport is kinda available to the public” scenario with these two, rather than either place boasts a reliable, interconnecting public transport system.
But let’s give it a go anyway.
Blackpool
- Famous for heritage trams rolling along the seafront
- Buses cover most areas; pretty reliable
- Single tram/bus fare: £2–£3 (≈90–140 THB)
Koh Samui
- No formal public transport system.
- Main ways around:
- Songthaews (red pick-up trucks): ~$1–$3 (≈35–100 THB) for short journeys
- Taxis: pricey and often haggle-based
- Scooter rentals: ~$5–$7/day (≈180–250 THB)
Verdict: First off — scooters are cheating. Songthaews are fun, affordable, and surprisingly available, but Blackpool has a tram. Blackpool wins this one.
👉 Interesting fact for you — Blackpool’s public transport is around 10–20% cheaper than many other UK cities.
🍜 Food Scene
🍔 Blackpool
- Classic British seaside fare: fish and chips, meat pies, candy floss, mushy peas.
- Prices are higher than Thailand’s street eats — expect £6–£10 (≈275–460 THB) for fish and chips, £3–£5 (≈140–230 THB) for snacks like hot dogs or donuts.
- Plenty of cafés, takeaways, and traditional pubs offering comfort food.
🍽️ Koh Samui
- Street food is legendary: Pad Thai for $1.50 (≈55 THB), green curry for $2–$3, fruit shakes for under a dollar
- Night markets dish up everything from grilled squid to mango sticky rice, usually served fast, cheap, and delicious
Verdict: Blackpool has a £1 beef burger — whether it’s good or not, I don’t care. Blackpool wins this round.
👉 Interesting fact for you — Eating out in Blackpool is around 10–20% cheaper than many other UK cities
☀️ Weather
Should I even bother?
👉 Interesting fact for you — Blackpool’s weather is basically the same as the rest of the UK’s weather.
🎯 The Final Decision
I said at the start that the answer might surprise you… but it won’t.
Sure, Blackpool has a lot to love. It gets a bad rap, but enough people have a great enough time there that it must be special to some extent.
The problem? It’s competing with arguably THE beach island of all beach islands — especially when it comes to Thailand.
Make sure you subscribe below so you don’t miss the battle for the north:
Chiang Mai vs Scunthorpe.
To be continued…
🧭 Let’s keep the adventure going:
💬 Drop a comment below: What are your thoughts? Did you enjoy this post? Let me know if you’d like to see more!
📩 Join our free newsletter below: Packed with all the latest Thailand budget tips & real local insights!
+ You’ll get instant access to a mystery mobile discount! 🎁 (ooooh)
By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from us. Read our privacy policy .
📲 Follow the journey: Thailand content, stories, behind-the-scenes fun:
🔁 Share the love: Know someone who’d love this post? Send it their way using the buttons below!
Prices accurate at time of writing and are subject to change.
