Koh Samui vs Koh Phangan vs Koh Tao: Best Island to Choose?
The wind in your hair, fine sand between your toes, palm trees swaying around you and the ocean lapping just a few feet away. Aaaah, the island life. Do you also dream of a relaxing island getaway? If your wanderlust is itching for some island vibes, then you will love exploring Southern Thailand. I've got even better news, Thailand offers many different, stunning islands you can freely choose from!
Whether you're looking for a quiet island destination to hang in a hammock all day, searching for a great under-the-sea experiences or just want to party, you will definitely find your perfect island on one of Thailand's classic gulf islands.
I often get asked which island is better? Which Gulf Island should you visit? I'd always say: It depends. In this article I'll highlight the three popular Thai islands: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, which are also the three largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
Do you want tranquil waters, excellent diving spots, white beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, bars and beach parties? Well then, you may have to visit them all!
How To Get To The Gulf Islands
There are two ways to get to Thailand's Gulf Islands: By plane or by boat.
Flying into Samui International Airport is possible from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and a few other Thai destinations. If you are coming from international, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Singapore have direct flights to Koh Samui. Note that there is no airport in Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. So if you decide to fly, you will have to come to Koh Samui first and then still take a ferry to your final destination on Koh Tao or Koh Phangan.
It's easy, convenient and the more expensive route compared to a ferry from Surat Thani, which is the closest airport on the mainland. Ferries from Surat Thani run to all three islands. Make sure to book a ticket that includes your bus ride from the airport to the ferry pier. Otherwise, you'll have to make your way there via taxi, which is more expensive.
The shortest ferry from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui takes 3 hours and 45 minutes with Lomprayah. They have newer and more comfortable ferries and are the fastest.
The best way to check available times is via 12Go Asia.
1. Reasons to Stay on Koh Samui
Best island for: Families with kis, yoga retreats, couples, luxury, good infrastructure yet quiet enough.
After Phuket, Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand. I used to live on Koh Samui for a few months also and I did love it! Koh Samui is super accessible as it has an airport where you can catch a direct flight from Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Another option is taking a ferry or high-speed catamaran from Thailand's mainland.
If you ask me which Thai island to visit when you're traveling as a family with the kids, I'd most definitely tell you that it is Koh Samui. Additionally, Koh Samui is a top destination if you're seeking a beach-side yoga retreat in an exotic island location. With its picturesque beaches and lush tropical landscape, Koh Samui offers a perfect backdrop for yoga enthusiasts looking to deepen their practice and connect with nature.
In short terms, Koh Samui's island experience can be described as luxurious and family-friendly. Out of all the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is the biggest and most developed island, offering a lot of accommodation options and activities.
Koh Samui Beaches
There are 11 major beaches on Koh Samui that you can choose from. The main one is the extensive Chaweng Beach dotted with a lot of hotels, restaurants, and bars. This is also the main area for tourists so expect it to be more busy than other beaches on the island. Its beach life is great with its powdery white sand and a lot of water sports. It's the longest stretch of beach on the island and there are some great Koh Samui villas to rent around here!
The second most popular one is Lamai Beach. It's less bustling than the famous Chaweng but still has its selection of upper-class hotels and dining spots. Other than Lamai's seaside beauty, you can also check out the bizarre rock formations called Hin Ta and Hin Yai which resemble the male and female organs, complete with a legend that any local can tell you about.
Adding to the bizarre attractions in Lamai Beach is Wat Khunaram, a mummified monk on display at a temple.
One of my personal favourite areas lies towards the north of the island and is called Bophut Beach. Its main attraction is the quaint Fisherman's Village which retains a somehow Mediterranean charm with a mix of well-preserved Chinese shophouses.
Where to Stay on Koh Samui
Koh Samui is actually bigger than you might think and offers quite a few different areas to stay at:
- Bophut & Fisherman's Village: Great area for first-timers who don't want to party, enjoy great beaches and some culture
- Chaweng Beach: Best area to stay for nightlife, markets and shopping
- Choeng Mon: Wonderful area for honeymooners and couples who are looking for quiet and privacy
- Lamai: Best area for families with children
- Maenam: Backpacker heaven with well-priced accommodation options
Below are some of my top hotel choices in Koh Samui. Also, check out my in-depth article on all the best areas and hotels to stay on Koh Samui here. I have lived on the island and have seen it all myself!
Six Senses Samui
Only 10-minutes from the International Airport, Six Senses Samui offers a luxury place to stay overlooking the Gulf of Siam. Lounge around in the infinity pool, get a treatment at the spa or eat a delicious dinner overlooking the ocean.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Melati Beach Resort & Spa
Melati is a stunning secluded beachfront hotel and spa with beautiful rooms, private pools and hot tubs. 15 minutes to the airport and right around the corner from the Big Buddha, you will enjoy your time between the pools and 2 restaurants and 3 bars right at the hotel.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Hansar Samui Resort & Spa
Stay in the heart of the beautiful Fisherman's Village at Hansar Samui. Choose between a beachfront or sea view room and enjoy on-site dining, a fitness centre and an infinity pool.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Things To Do on Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers lots of activities from cultural explorations such as seeing the famed 12-meter tall Big Buddha and the 18-arm Guanyin in Wat Plai Laem at Big Buddha Beach to indulging in an authentic Thai massage or joining a Thai cooking class.
You can even get a custom-made suit tailored that's way cheaper than in your home country for sure, but still of high quality.
If you are travelling with kids, Koh Samui is definitely a wonderland for them as the island has several waterparks.
You can also go zip-lining, Quad biking or explore the Angthong National Marine Park by boat. Head over to Central Festival Samui, the island's biggest shopping mall that includes a playground, a horror house and a whole gaming arcade.
Koh Samui Nightlife
Chaweng Beach has some great nightlife spots. The night comes alive with many dance clubs, indoors and at the beach side. There's Soi Green Mango which is often said to be what Soi Cowboy is for Bangkok.
Visit The Green Mango Club, Ark Bar, still to the end of Soi Reggae, and drop by Bar Solo (don't worry, you don't need to be solo!). And then there is literally a cool place to hang out in Chaweng! It's called the Bar Ice Samui which is kept at -7 degrees and where you are handed a big coat upon entrance.
Another nightly activity not to miss in Koh Samui is the ladyboy shows at Paris Follies Cabaret and Starz Cabaret Samui, both in Chaweng, which are rather harmless.
Lipa Noi on the west side of the island boasts the famous Nikki Beach Samui, a high-end beach resort that hosts nightly live performances, film viewing, and more while Lamai offers the Ocean Club at Beach Republic, a resort, pool and beach club all in one. For a more relaxed evening, head to Coco Tams in Bophut and sit back on their beanbags by the beach and enjoy a round of shisha if you will.
2. Reasons to Stay On Koh Phangan
Best island for: Full Moon Party, nightlife, yoga/wellness/detox, has a family-friendly side.
For the party lovers, the question of which Thai island to visit is easy to answer: Koh Phangan for sure!
The fifth-largest island in Thailand is easy to get to from the mainland by ferry but there is no airport.
Koh Phangan Beaches
Haad Rin is the home to the famous Full Moon Party held every month when the full moon shines big and bright. This part of the island is relatively calm during the daytime but come nighttime, bars and pubs blare out reggae beats and hardcore trance music as the party crowd gathers to dance, drink, and party, especially during the night of the full moon.
The island also celebrates the half-moon party and smaller parties in between to keep the crowds entertained. Expect only the craziest, freakiest rave when you party in Haad Rin.
Quite the opposite of the party beach Haad Rin is the tranquil part of Chaloklum Beach that offers a quiet respite for relaxation. The place almost reminds me a bit of Fisherman's Village on Koh Samui with its line of seafront Chinese-style shophouses and restaurants.
Hang out at the beach or walk the small main street browsing some local shops or if you're more inclined to wakeboarding, Chaloklum Beach's calm waters are suitable.
Where to Stay on Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has a lot to offer, from beach to nightlife, full moon part,ies and some true paradise beaches and quiet spots to retreat.
Here are some of the best areas to stay at:
- Baan Tai Beach: Great for first-timers, nice beach, restaurants and cool beach bars
- Haad Rin: The best area for nightlife and the full moon party
- Thong Sala: The primary town of Koh Phangan with a great night market, best area for convenience and is close to the main ferry pier
After living in Koh Phangan as a digital nomad, I know the best areas to stay and have put together my top hotel choices below.
Phangan Beach Resort
Stay on the charming beachfront! All come with private bathrooms, hot showers and some with air conditioning, others come with a fan only. Great location to access all parts of Phangan Island, or just stay in the hammock right where you are.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Milky Bay Resort
Great, simple bungalows with stunning beach views only 10-minutes from Thong Sala ferry pier. All bungalows come a hammock and private balcony. You have the choice of either a fan or air conditioning.
Check current rates on: Booking.com
Namthip Homebeach
A stunning secluded beachfront hotel and spa with beautiful rooms, private pools and hot tubs. 15 minutes to the airport and right around the corner from the Big Buddha, you will enjoy your time between the pools and 2 restaurants and 3 bars right at the hotel.
Check current rates on: Booking.com
Things To Do on Koh Phangan
The Full Moon Party in Haad Rin is definitely the highlight of what Koh Phangan has to offer, along with other lunar celebrations. On New Year's Eve, Koh Phangan welcomes 10,000 to 30,000 party-goers to celebrate the turning of the calendar.
Other than parties and raves, the island also offers many beach activities. Get your dose of marine adventures from wakeboarding, kayaking, diving, and swimming. If you want to explore the tropical jungle, there are activities for trekking and camping.
And even if you are looking to calm your soul and senses, there is The Sanctuary Thailand, a resort offering yoga, detox and wellness, which is far away from the outside world, only accessible by boot.
Additionally, Koh Phangan has one of the best sunsets to view. A beautiful spot for a dip and a drink as the sun sets is Amsterdam Bar.
Make sure to check out Thong Sala Night Market where you can buy cheap souvenirs and find an abundant choice of food stalls which is super affordable. Even though it's smaller than other night markets in Thailand it's possibly the best one you will visit and one of my favourites!
Koh Phangan Nightlife
Koh Phangan is a favourite for party seekers so the island's nightlife will satisfy. Haad Rin is definitely party central. It has an array of bars such as Cactus with its nightly fire show, the beachside Kangaroo Bar, the laid-back Lazy House that serves nice food, the Oz-themed Outback, the rustic and ethnic Reggae House with a Bob Marley statue by the entrance where you can also get a traditional bamboo tattoo, and the nautical-themed Tommy Bar where you can dine al fresco.
These bars can be a chill place on regular nights but expect musical mayhem and madness when the Full Moon Party kicks off.
If you prefer to stay at the calmer part of the island which is in Haad Mae Haad or nearby Chaloklum, a relaxing evening out is part of the package. A beachside bar with great food to check out is Café del Mar.
3. Reasons to Stay on Koh Tao
Best island for: Scuba diving & getting certified, snorkeling, watersports, beaches and nature.
Let's take you to the smallest island of the three, Koh Tao is small but very big on underwater adventures. It's only 21 square kilometres big and therefore easy to scooter around.
There's no airport so you have to take a high-speed catamaran or ferry traveling from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani or Chumphon.
Koh Tao Beaches
When hitting Koh Tao's beaches, do not forget to bring along your goggles and snorkel. This island has the most stunning underwater world. Sairee Beach on the western coast of Koh Tao is the most touristy and busiest area. It's known for its 1.8 km strip which is the longest shore on the island.
A must-visit is also Koh Nangyuan Island which is just around 10 minutes away from Koh Tao by long-tail boat and perfect for a day trip. Koh Nangyuan is a small island with a lovely sandbar and you'll get a picturesque view as you reach the viewpoint which is a mere 10 to 15-minute climb up the hill. Don't miss to just lie at the beach and snorkel around this tiny island.
Where to Stay on Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a much smaller island compared to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, but it has a lot of things to explore, especially when it comes to adventures in the water.
Koh Tao offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, making it a popular destination for travelers of all kinds.
Snorkelers and divers will surely be in heaven, so here are the best areas to stay at:
- Mae Haad Beach: Great for first-time visitors to the island, it's the main town, and you can find the ferry pier here too
- Sairee Beach: This is the best area to party on Koh Tao and has plenty of dining options
- Chalok Bay: A wonderful protected bay, which makes it very family-friendly
- Ao Thian Og: A true paradise beach and still one of the more untouched parts of Koh Tao
The Fisherman's Villas
All villas are fully furnished with air-con, private bathrooms and a beautiful private plunge pool overlooking the bay. Big balconies, a terrace and a minibar plus a fully equipped kitchen will make your stay extra comfortable.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Dusit Buncha Resort
Stay in waterfront villas overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. All villas are nicely decorated with modern Thai-style features. Expect a large balcony and spacious living areas and some rooms come with private open-air bathrooms.
Check current rates on: Booking.com
DD Hut Koh Tao
Sleep in private bungalows with unobstructed sea views. Close to many restaurants and bars of Sairee Beach and yet far away to not be within party-central.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Things To Do on Koh Tao
Hands down, diving and snorkeling are the claim to fame for Koh Tao. You can expect quality diving instruction from dive centres all over the island. The underwater depths reveal another world where various marine life and vibrant corals thrive.
It also has become a favourite for beginner divers to get their PADI scuba diving certification for an affordable price. Expert divers may even ditch the oxygen tank and go for free diving up to 20 metres.
You can also go kayaking or fishing during the day or night. Off-the-sea activities include hiking, rock climbing, yoga, and shopping at the night market.
Koh Tao Nightlife
Definitely not as wild as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao still offers a fun night out at one of the various waterfront bars featuring fire dancers and ladyboy shows going on every night.
You can check out DJL Pool Bar, Lotus Bar, Fizz Lounge and Choppers Bar & Grill. Another fun way to party a little on the island is by joining the Koh Tao Pub Crawl wherein you can meet other travellers from around the globe.
Book Your Trip To Thailand
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within Thailand.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in Thailand, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Thai Baht. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to.
Stay Connected Anywhere
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Don't Go Without Travel Insurance
Travel with confidence, knowing that Hey Mondo, my preferred travel insurance provider, has your back. Don't let illness, accidents, theft, or cancellations ruin your trip. As a Breathing Travel reader, you also get 5% off any policy purchased!
Koh Samui vs Koh Phangan vs Koh Tao – Final Words
So that's that. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are all amazing islands. If you don't want to visit them all, you at least know now what ‘the best island for what?' is.
Did you come to party? Koh Phangan is where the raves are at!
Are you looking for some luxury? Will you be travelling with the family in tow? Koh Samui has some amazing classy places to stay at and the most activities the whole family will love.
Did you come to see an underwater paradise? Take a trip to the diving heaven that is Koh Tao. Whichever island you choose, Thailand always guarantees you a trip to remember.
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