Koh Samui vs Phuket: Ultimate Guide to Picking the BEST Island

If you are planning a beach holiday to Thailand, you might find yourself choosing between some of the country's most popular destinations, such as Koh Samui and Phuket. Which is the better holiday destination?

Which one you'll go for depends on what you are looking for. Koh Samui is an idyllic tropical island perfect for a romantic getaway as a couple or for relaxing to recharge your batteries.

Phuket is a busier beach destination with more activities and a roaring nightlife at its heart. While both offer an authentic Thai beach experience, they are quite different. That is why we have put together an in-depth comparison of the two destinations, to help you choose which one is right for you.

1. Koh Samui vs Phuket: Location & Weather

Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand, located in the Gulf of Thailand. It sits in a small archipelago with several other islands including Koh Pha Ngan and Ko Tao.

It is a small island just 25 kilometers long and 21 kilometers wide with white sandy beaches and waters ideal for diving and snorkeling. Koh Samui weather is a pleasant tropical climate, with a short monsoon season from September to December.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand located in the Andaman Sea off the west coast. It is a gateway to many smaller islands including the Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands.

Phuket is 21 kilometers at its widest point and 48 kilometers long and very close to the mainland, which it is connected with by several bridges. It has a short wet season from June to October with September being the wettest month.

The two islands sit at a similar latitude on either side of the Thailand peninsula and there are direct flights to both from Bangkok. To either destination, the flight time is just over 1 hour.

2. Phuket vs Koh Samui: Beaches

Both Phuket and Koh Samui are known for their beautiful white sandy beaches.

Phuket's most famous beach is Patong Beach, which is not only known for its white sand and clear waters but also strip of beach clubs, restaurants, and markets. It's the beating heart of Phuket and anyone looking for something quieter should stay elsewhere.

Kata Beach has a more laid-back atmosphere and is a favorite among surfers. Surin Beach is known for its luxury resorts, high-end restaurants, and clubs. Kamala Beach has a traditional fishing village atmosphere, while Bang Tao Beach has 8 kilometers of white sand and more luxurious hotels.

Koh Samui is famous for its palm-fringed beaches that are quieter than those in Phuket with fewer tourists. Chaweng Beach is the most popular and lively on the island, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. It is also a favorite spot for water sports.

Other popular beaches include Lamai Beach, which is quieter and well-catered for families. It is a favorite for shopping and entertainment. My personal favorite is Bophut Beach, known for its charming fishing village atmosphere, and Meanam Beach is beloved for its tranquility and views over the neighboring island Koh Pha Ngan.

Both Phuket and Koh Samui have excellent beaches, so it is hard to choose. However, Phuket beaches are probably better for water sports and partying, while Koh Samui is better for diving and tranquility.

3. Koh Samui and Phuket: Things To Do

Koh Samui is known for its beautiful beaches and forest interior, both of which offer plenty of things to do. While there is great scuba diving, snorkeling, and water sports on the beaches, head inland for Na Muang Waterfalls.

If you are interested in local culture explore the Bophut Fisherman Village and visit the Wat Phra Yai temple, known as the Big Buddha. If you're in Bophut on a Friday, don't forget to visit the Fisherman's Village Walking Street market.

Apart from plenty of land-based activities, Koh Samui is also a gateway to the nearby islands. Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 small, uninhibited islands ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. Koh Phangan is known for its decadent Full Moon Parties and jungle trekking. Koh Tao is a bit further away but is prized for its coral reefs.

If you are looking for yoga retreats, spa treatments, and other wellness activities, you will find plentiful options in Koh Samui.

As a bigger and busier island, Phuket has a little more to do than Koh Samui. There are lots of water sports on offer, including sea kayaking, jet skiing, ziplining, surfing, and diving. It is also a favorite spot for island hopping, especially to the nearby Phi Phi Islands with its popular Shark Point dive site and the Similan Islands.

If you are looking for bigger thrills or family fun, Phuket has several theme parks including Andamanda Phuket, Splash Jungle Water Park and Phuket Fantasea, a Thai-themed park.

If you are looking for culture, the iconic 45-meter-tall Big Buddha is located on the southern end of the island, and there are also 29 temples all across, with Wat Chalong being the most important.

Old Phuket Town has several historical and cultural treasures to explore. While many people choose to skip Phuket Town in favor of heading to the beaches, spending a day walking Phuket Old Town is a nice cultural activity.

Shoppers will enjoy the Phuket Night Markets and some big shopping malls such as the Central Festival Phuket Shopping Center and the Jungceylon Shopping and Entertainment Center.

4. Phuket vs Koh Samui: Nightlife

Phuket island is known for its excellent nightlife and many people travel to the island specifically to party. Bangla Road in Patong is the epicenter of nightlife, with things starting around sunset. The street is closed to traffic and lined with bars, nightclubs, and music venues.

There are also many beach clubs in Phuket, including upscale beach clubs in the area including Catch Beach Club at Kamala and Xana Beach Club at Bang Tao Beach.

For a more laid-back evening head to the night markets for shopping, food, and drinks. Take in a live Muay Thai match at the Bangla Boxing Stadium in Patong, or catch some live music at one of the many bars.

Koh Samui also has an entertaining nightlife, but it wraps up early compared to Phuket, where things are lively until dawn. The best nightlife is around Chaweng Beach, with clubs and bars along the main strip.

Lamai Beach has a more relaxed atmosphere with music bars and small clubs. There are also quite a few Reggae bars on the island.

If you are looking for something more intense, head to Koh Phangan for the monthly Full Moon Party. But this is still much tamer than what you might find in Phuket.

Find my guide to the best places to stay in Koh Samui here.

5. Koh Samui vs Phuket: Value of Money

Both Koh Samui and Phuket offer excellent value for money for visitors. That said, Phuket tends to have cheaper options because there are just more hotel options and restaurants to choose from. You will find more expensive luxury options, but also cheaper options for backpackers.

In Koh Samui, you'll find plenty of luxury yet affordable resorts, but not the same range of cheap options.

Nevertheless, people tend to spend more when they travel to Phuket because there is more to do and see. While in Koh Samui you will be walking around beaches and villages and diving in nearby waters, but in Phuket you are more likely to go to big clubs, visit theme parks, go shopping and island hopping.

But how much you spend will depend on what you want to do, and in either case, both destinations are very affordable by international standards.

6. Phuket vs Koh Samui: Getting There and Getting Around

In general, it is easier to get to Phuket than Koh Samui. Phuket has an international airport that is the second busiest in Thailand. Bangkok Airways runs several direct flights between Bangkok and Phuket each day.

It is also connected to the mainland by a bridge, so you can arrive by bus, car, or motorcycle. Once you get there, small buses run between the town and beaches, or you could rent a car or motorbike.

Koh Samui has a smaller airport and receives fewer direct flights, so traveling there tends to be more expensive. Koh Samui's airport is owned by Bangkok Airways, and the airline and a few other carriers fly to the island. A cheaper option is to take the train or bus to Surat Thani on the mainland and then get a ferry to the island.

Once there, a limited number of taxi trucks run, but renting a motorbike is the most convenient way to get around. Public transport is basic and hiring a moto to get around is recommended.

7. Koh Samui vs Phuket: Safety

Both Koh Samui and Phuket are very safe for travelers, though pickpockets and tourist scams do exist, and are a little more common in Phuket than in Koh Samui.

Both islands have well-established tourism infrastructures with an emphasis on ensuring the well-being of tourists. Phuket can in some parts be a little more shady than Koh Samui, with the biggest problem being drunk tourists.

Moreover, water and beach safety is crucial, and you should listen to lifeguards and adhere to guidelines when participating in water activities. Both Phuket and Koh Samui have reputable medical facilities and hospitals, further enhancing the overall safety of travelers.

I've personally had to go to the hospital for an eye infection in Koh Samui and the standard was really high and I felt treated well. Despite anything, I always recommend having travel insurance for visiting Thailand!

8. Phuket vs Koh Samui for Different Travelers

Honeymooners and Couples

Both make a great destination for a romantic getaway with many luxury private villas with romance in mind available. If you only have eyes for each other, Koh Samui offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. If you also love parties and a bit of adventure, you will find this in Phuket, and can then retire to your resort together.

Friend Groups

Many groups will prefer Phuket as you can find larger villas with multiple bedrooms at a better price and there is so much to see and do that there will be something for everyone. Rent a yacht together and go island hopping, enjoy the theme parks, and then hit the strip for the nightlife or a relaxed dinner and sunset by the beach.

Families

Families traveling with very young children might prefer Koh Samui because it is less crowded and safer for smaller travelers. But families with slightly older kids might appreciate the entertainment available in Phuket including theme parks and shopping malls.

Adventure Seekers

Koh Samui and Phuket are both great for adventure seekers. Scuba divers and snorkelers might prefer Koh Samui because it has some of the best diving in the world. Na Muang Waterfall is also lovely to visit when you want something other than the beach. Phuket offers more beach adventure activities such as jet ski hire and surfing. In addition to theme parks, you will also find more day trips from Phuket because it is better connected.

Koh Samui vs Phuket – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is it worth going to Koh Samui?

Yes, it is worth visiting Koh Samui for its beautiful beaches, affordable luxury resorts, and relaxed atmosphere ideal for a getaway. It is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand behind places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

❓ Why is Koh Samui so popular?

Koh Samui is popular because it offers an idyllic tropical landscape and good infrastructure for tourists with a variety of resorts, activities, spa treatments, watersports, and vibrant nightlife.

🏝️ Is Koh Samui better than the Phi Phi Islands?

Both Koh Samui and the Phi Phi Islands are wonderful places to visit, but Koh Samui has a more developed tourist infrastructure and more activities on offer. Phi Phi Islands is closer to Phuket.

💸 Is Koh Samui or Phuket cheaper?

In general, Koh Samui tends to be slightly more expensive than Phuket when it comes to accommodation, eating out, and activities. Phuket, being larger and more developed, offers a broader range of budget-friendly options, from hostels to affordable guesthouses. However, the overall cost can vary depending on the specific location within each island and individual travel preferences.

Koh Samui vs Phuket – Final Words

Thailand is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world ideal for relaxing, diving, or engaging in watersports. Beachside communities are also vibrant, with lots to see, do, and eat, and a thriving nightlife scene beloved by both locals and visitors.

Phuket and Koh Samui are two of the country's most popular island destinations for good reason, and you are sure to have an amazing time, whichever one you choose to visit next.