Phuket and Koh Samui are Thailand’s two largest and most iconic island locations. Each have all of the elements for an ideal trip – gorgeous landscapes, unimaginable seashores, heat climate, a mixture of resorts, leisure and journey.
Each islands are ultimate locations for a primary vacation to Thailand, however how do you select which one to go to? Phuket or Koh Samui?
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I’ve spent loads of time on each islands, and whereas they’re each lovely, Koh Samui and Phuket do supply very totally different experiences – so it relies on what you might be searching for.
On this weblog, I’ll break down the important thing variations between Samui and Phuket that will help you resolve which Thai island is greatest suited to you.
Phuket vs Koh Samui – What To Take into account
Evaluating Koh Samui vs Phuket goes past selecting probably the most lovely island as they provide very totally different experiences and can attraction to several types of travellers.
So when making your choice consider carefully about what you might be searching for and think about all of the elements together with:
- Accessibility
- Lodging choices
- Seashores and surroundings
- Actions and sights
- Nightlife and leisure
- Meals and buying
- Climate
- Value
On this weblog I’ll evaluate each islands on every of those essential elements. Then I’ll talk about the professionals and cons of every and see who every island is healthier suited to.
Accessibility and Journey Prices
Getting There
First, it’s essential to contemplate how you’ll get to the island of your selection.
Each Samui and Phuket have an airport, however Phuket’s airport is bigger and way more well-connected than Samui’s.
Phuket: You’ll be able to fly into Phuket Worldwide Airport (HKT) from everywhere in the world with airways like Emirates, Eithad, and Thai Airways – there are even direct flights from Europe.
The value of flights to Phuket are affordable and according to worldwide flights to Bangkok, making Phuket an simply accessible and handy place to go to.
Samui: Koh Samui’s airport is way smaller and primarily has home flights between Samui and Phuket or Bangkok. It’s not attainable to fly on to Koh Samui from Europe.
Koh Samui Airport (USM) is usually open air – it’s lovely and distinctive, however because it’s privately owned and operated by Bangkok Airways, flights routes are restricted and costs are dearer as there’s no competitors.
If you’re flying internationally, there are two foremost methods to succeed in Koh Samui:
- Fly into Bangkok after which take a Bangkok Airways flight to Samui – The quickest however most costly choice).
- Fly into Surat Thani Airport (the closest mainland airport) after which take a ferry to Samui – The most affordable however longest choice. (Get a mixed ticket on 12GoAsia to avoid wasting time and problem)
Getting Round
In relation to getting across the island, each have their execs and cons. Roads in Thailand are usually fairly good however public transport on islands will be restricted and taxis will be costly (by Thai requirements)
Right here’s your choices for getting round Phuket and Koh Samui:
Taxis: Meter taxis are broadly obtainable on each islands however costs are excessive by Thai requirements. Taxi drivers can cost excessive fares to unsuspecting vacationers so all the time agree on a value earlier than getting in or think about using journey hailing apps like Seize (Southeast Asia’s model of Uber) which can be found in each locations. You may be shocked to know that you just don’t see many 3 wheeled tuk tuks on the islands – they’re primarily in Bangkok.
Seize: In Phuket there are each vehicles and motorcycle taxis (the most cost effective and quickest approach to get round) obtainable and ready occasions are brief and costs are affordable. Whereas Samui solely has vehicles that are slower and dearer and there aren’t so many drivers obtainable in Samui, so ready occasions and costs are increased. Samui is smaller although so distances aren’t far.
Buses: Phuket has a contemporary public bus service, whereas Koh Samui doesn’t. The Phuket Good Bus runs from Rawai within the south to the airport within the north, stopping in any respect the principle vacationer cities alongside the west coast. It’s simply 100 Thai baht a journey and buses run as soon as an hour.
Native Songthaews (shared pickup vans) run on each islands between the most important cities and seashores, flagging one down and hopping in is the most cost effective approach to get round.
Automobile and Scooter Rental: If you happen to’re seeking to lease a scooter or automotive, I discovered that Phuket’s roads are usually in higher situation than Samui’s. Whereas Samui’s foremost roads are effective, a number of the smaller seaside roads will be extra like grime tracks. Nonetheless, Phuket’s roads are undoubtedly busier, so you’ll almost definitely spend extra time sitting in site visitors in Phuket in comparison with Samui.
Guided Excursions: There’s a broad number of guided excursions and day journeys obtainable on each islands which make it straightforward to discover the vacationer sights and widespread locations. You’ll be able to select from cheaper group excursions or skip the crowds with a personal tour. I choose to make use of Viator and Get Your Information to ebook excursions as a result of I can examine critiques first.
Verdict: Phuket is less complicated and cheaper to get to and get round than Koh Samui.
Lodging Choices and Costs
Each Phuket and Koh Samui have a effectively developed infrastructure for tourism and supply lodging choices for all budgets. You’ll discover luxurious villas, 5-star resorts, boutique lodges, finances guesthouses, reasonably priced seaside huts, and backpacker hostels on each islands.
Lodging costs on each islands have risen considerably post-Covid, however reasonably priced choices are nonetheless obtainable.
Samui has no scarcity of fantastic 5 star resorts ultimate for a luxurious seaside getaway – that is the place you’ll discover the gorgeous 4 Seasons Resort Samui the place season 3 of the White Lotus was filmed however, on the opposite finish of the dimensions, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover some low cost seaside huts in Samui too.
Because it’s bigger than Samui there’s a wider selection of lodging in Phuket and costs are usually a bit cheaper. Phuket additionally has cute boutique heritage lodges, condos and flats appropriate for longer stays.
Remember that in the course of the peak season (December to March), resort costs improve considerably on each islands and may get absolutely booked – so be sure to ebook effectively prematurely when you plan to go to throughout this busy time and anticipate to pay greater than throughout wet season.
Verdict: Each Samui and Phuket supply loads of lodging choices for all budgets, nonetheless because the bigger and extra developed island Phuket affords extra selection and barely cheaper costs.
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Seashores and Surroundings
Each Koh Samui and Phuket make for an unimaginable seaside vacation. These two islands boast many gorgeous seashores with mushy white sand, gently swaying palm bushes, and turquoise waters.
Phuket’s seashores can get very busy and are slowly turning into extra developed, however every has a unique vibe so there’s one thing for everybody:
- Patong Seashore is probably the most well-known in Phuket. It’s ALWAYS full of life with watersports and a legendary nightlife strip on Bangla highway widespread with backpackers and social gathering folks.
- Karon, Kamala, and Kata seaside are bustling vacationer seashores which can be nice for swimming and water sports activities and widespread with households and {couples}.
- Nai Harn Seashore is adored by expats, giving it a bit extra of a neighborhood vibe.
- Mai Khao Seashore is probably the most uncrowded and undeveloped seaside
Equally, one of the best seashores in Samui all have a unique ambiance:
- Chaweng Seashore is the busiest, identified for full of life seaside golf equipment and vibrant nightlife
- Lamai Seashore is a little more chilled however nonetheless has loads of facilities
- Bo Phut Seashore is residence to the full of life Fishermans Village and widespread with households.
- Mae Nam Seashore is extra peaceable and ideal for honeymooners and {couples}
- Lipa Noi Seashore is a barely developed seaside with superb sunsets ultimate for whole leisure
Verdict: Each islands have lovely seashores, however in my view, Samui’s seashores are extra “postcard-perfect.” A lot of Phuket’s seashores have turn out to be crowded and overdeveloped which has taken a number of the idyllic paradise island attraction away.
Actions and Vacationer Sights
Each islands are well-developed so that you’ll discover loads of issues to see and do in Phuket and Koh Samui from island hopping boat journeys to cultural sights and actions.
That being stated, as a result of the previous is way greater, there’s a wider vary of issues to do in Phuket. It additionally has barely extra iconic cultural sights just like the well-known Massive Buddha, the spectacular Wat Chalong Temple, and the colorful Phuket Previous City.
This doesn’t imply that Samui lacks tradition; quite, its golden Massive Buddha, distinctive temples and cultural websites like Wat Plai Leam and Wat Phra Yai are simply not fairly as well-known as Phuket’s however are equally spectacular. So don’t fear there are nonetheless loads of issues to do on Koh Samui to maintain you entertained for a minimum of per week.
When it comes to journey actions yow will discover elephant sanctuaries, ATV rides, and ziplining on each islands. Nonetheless, Samui’s jungly inside is greatest for pure magnificence, waterfalls, and mountaineering. Phuket does have mountaineering trails and waterfalls, however they’re much less spectacular than Samui’s.
One key distinction between the sights in Phuket and Samui is the island hopping, snorkelling and scuba diving alternatives.
Samui has some incredible islands close by you can go to on day excursions together with the Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. There are additionally world-class dive spots near Koh Samui.
Phuket has SO MANY close by islands, together with the Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Ko Racha, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai and extra!
Phuket can be near many lovely locations within the Phang Nga province, together with Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island and Khao Lak. It’s additionally inside driving distance of Krabi and the unimaginable Khao Sok Nationwide Park can be visited on a day journey from Phuket.
Verdict: If you wish to discover as many islands and locations as attainable Phuket is the higher selection, however equally if it’s your first time in Thailand you’re unlikely to be upset with Samui’s island hopping excursions both.
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Nightlife and Leisure
Concerning nightlife, Phuket and Koh Samui every have a famend “social gathering city” filled with bars and nightclubs. In Phuket, that is Patong Seashore on the island’s west coast whereas in Koh Samui, that is Chaweng Seashore, within the northeast.
If you happen to’re visiting for the nightlife make a beeline for these widespread areas to be within the coronary heart of the motion, however when you’d choose peace, leisure and a quiet nights sleep you then’ll wish to keep away from staying in these areas.
Each islands even have loads of bars and seaside golf equipment. In Phuket, one can find a lot in Bang Tao. In Koh Samui, one can find extra seaside golf equipment dotted across the island, together with Chaweng and Lamai Seashore.
One benefit of Samui is that it’s near the well-known full moon events in Koh Phangan, which you’ll be able to attain by a brief boat journey. Koh Phangan has many different famend events, together with the Waterfall Get together, Jungle Get together, and Half Moon events.
Phuket has many unimaginable events, too, although they may not be as world-famous. One iconic social gathering expertise in Phuket is Yona – a floating seaside membership within the Andaman Sea! There are additionally tons of boat events you are able to do, in addition to varied music festivals, like Electrical Daisy Carnival.
If wild events aren’t what you’re searching for each islands additionally supply quieter areas to remain and extra low key nightlife like full of life night time markets the place you’ll be able to browse stalls for distinctive souvenirs and handicrafts whereas having fun with avenue meals and reside music. Phuket’s Previous City has a well-known Sunday night time strolling avenue market which is without doubt one of the greatest within the nation.
Verdict: Each Samui and Phuket supply some uniquely epic nightlife and leisure choices – you received’t get bored at night time on both island however equally you’ll be able to all the time discover someplace peaceable when you don’t wish to social gathering.
Meals and Purchasing
Koh Samui and Phuket have some unimaginable meals choices (each Thai and worldwide) and loads of retailers, from Western-style buying malls (Phuket and Samui each have a central competition mall) to conventional markets. Being the larger, extra developed island, Phuket has probably the most intensive array of eating places and retailers.
In Phuket, yow will discover each delicacies you’ll be able to consider, which is commonly very top quality. There are additionally many fancy and fine-dining choices within the extra upscale areas like Laguna.
Previous Phuket city can be full of wonderful Thai, Chinese language, and Japanese eating places, cute espresso retailers and cafes, and hosts a large Sunday strolling avenue night time market.
Koh Samui additionally has plentiful, high-quality Thai eating places and Western eateries, particularly in Fisherman’s Village (Bophut) which additionally has a Friday night time strolling avenue market.
Chaweng has a mall and a number of night time markets providing all the enduring Thai delights like pad Thai and mango sticky rice, clothes, handicrafts and souvenirs.
I additionally discovered there are tons of beachfront eating places and romantic eating choices on Samui, equivalent to Eating on the Rocks on the luxurious Six Senses resort.
Verdict: Being an enormous foodie, I fee Phuket increased than Samui when it comes to meals choices and high quality, there’s additionally extra selection relating to buying, however each islands have greater than sufficient choices for a vacation.
Climate and When to Go to
Thailand is heat all yr spherical however each Phuket and Samui have distinct dry and moist seasons.
Through the dry season, each islands supply excellent seaside climate – considerable sunshine, excessive temperatures and low humidity, however peak season comes with peak costs and crowds.
Within the moist season, it doesn’t rain all day on a regular basis however it’s usually overcast with frequent tropical downpours, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and excessive humidity. Each islands can have tough, unswimmable waters in the course of the monsoon season and boat rides can get bumpy.
The one distinction is the time of every island’s monsoon season. Phuket is positioned within the Andaman Sea, whereas Koh Samui is within the Gulf of Thailand so their wet seasons are totally different.
Phuket’s wet season could be very lengthy. It formally runs from Could to October, nonetheless, it’s usually at its worst in September and October. Samui’s wet season is shorter and begins later, between October and December, however it may be largely dry in the course of the summer season vacation interval in July and August.
Verdict: If you happen to plan to journey in the summertime holidays (July and August) Koh Samui is the higher choice, whereas Phuket is mostly higher for Christmas and New 12 months holidays.
Professionals and Cons
Now we’ve mentioned the totally different facets of every island at depth, right here’s a fast run down of the professionals and cons for every island that will help you resolve.
Phuket
Professionals
- Giant worldwide airport with common, reasonably priced, worldwide flights
- Infinite lodging choices, actions and sights on supply
- Tons of island hopping alternatives and near the mainland
- Distinctive worldwide delicacies scene
- An enthralling, vibrant, previous city to discover
- Barely cheaper costs than Samui
Cons
- Heavy site visitors – it may take a very long time to journey between areas
- The seashores can get very crowded
- An extended wet season
Koh Samui
Professionals
- Much less crowded and extra idyllic seashores
- Smaller measurement – can drive round the entire island in a day
- A superb steadiness between exercise and leisure
- A shorter wet season
- Extra paradise vacation island vibes than Phuket
Cons
- Only a few worldwide flights fly on to Koh Samui
- Fewer islands close by and restricted mainland entry
- Dearer and fewer selection
Koh Samui vs Phuket – Wrapping It Up
As you’ll be able to see, every island has its personal execs and cons. So take into consideration if you wish to go to and the kind of vacation you wish to make sure you select the vacation spot that most accurately fits you.
Who’s Phuket Greatest Suited For?
If you’re searching for a bustling seaside metropolis vibe, Phuket is good. Right here, one can find EVERYTHING: seashores, nightlife, tradition, and journey. That’s why it attracts a various array of individuals, together with households, {couples}, and solo vacationers.
In recent times, Phuket has turn out to be extraordinarily crowded, and in the course of the busiest months, it may really feel like ‘Bangkok by the seaside.’ However what makes this Thai vacation spot so widespread is the huge array of issues to do and see. If you happen to’re searching for a jam-packed journey break, Phuket is one of the best island.
Additionally, word that every space in Phuket has a singular vibe. Patong Seashore is undoubtedly the social gathering space and will be considerably seedy, whereas Kata and Karen are full of life but extra family-friendly. In the meantime, Nai Harn Seashore has a barely extra chilled vibe because it’s positioned on the southern tip of the island.
If you happen to’re searching for leisure, I like to recommend Panwa Seashore, positioned on the japanese cape of Phuket. This is without doubt one of the quietest spots on the island, but it’s only a brief drive from Phuket city.
One other benefit of Phuket is that there are lots of island hopping journeys and small islands to discover.
Who’s Koh Samui Greatest For?
Being smaller than Phuket, Ko Samui does are likely to have extra idyllic seashores and a extra chilled island vibe which could swimsuit you higher when you’re searching for a extra relaxed trip.
Whereas it’s well-developed, it’s much less city than Phuket – there are far fewer large roads, and the smaller measurement means it takes much less time to journey round and discover the island.
The individuals who select to go to Samui are usually {couples} and honeymooners searching for a enjoyable seaside vacation and a little bit of pampering quite than an adventure-filled break.
The calmer vibe may make it a sensible choice for households, however there are fewer actions for youths right here than in Phuket.
Phuket vs Koh Samui – The Ultimate Verdict
So which Thai island do you have to select? Koh Samui or Phuket? In the end it comes right down to what you need.
Phuket is the best choice for selection, comfort, and accessibility however, being a smaller island and never really easy to get to, Koh Samui does have a barely extra relaxed environment than Phuket.
So when you choose extra of an island vibe for a honeymoon or enjoyable household vacation then Samui could also be greatest. Nonetheless, Phuket has way more to do with many iconic sights and funky cultural occasions. You can discover any exercise and delicacies in Phuket, so when you’re searching for a bustling seaside metropolis vibe, Phuket is good.
That being stated, selecting between Phuket or Koh Samui boils down to non-public choice. And on the finish of the day, each Thai islands are equally lovely, so you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with whichever island you select!
You probably have time, I undoubtedly advocate spending time on each! Spending 4 or 5 days on every island provides you with sufficient time to benefit from the seashores, discover and get a style for every island.
And keep in mind, these are simply two of the numerous gorgeous locations in Thailand. If you happen to’re contemplating an extended journey try these 21 Superb Locations to Go to in Thailand and see my 2 week Thailand itinerary to know find out how to match one of the best of each north and south into one epic journey.
Learn Extra: When you’ve determined which island to go to if you would like assist planning your journey try my Phuket Guides, and my Koh Samui Guides. 🙂