Koh Samui vs Koh Tao (Which Is Better To Visit?)

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So it’s Koh Samui vs Koh Tao to your subsequent Thai trip. That’s a tough nut to crack. Both islands are drop-dead attractive, dotted with pristine white-sand seashores, cliffside bungalow resorts, and an air of quintessential island dwelling.

But there are some important variations between these isles within the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is the larger of the 2, spreading over a large 883 sq. miles, second solely to Thailand’s largest island, Phuket. In comparability, Koh Tao is far smaller and attracts fewer crowds.

Despite being smaller, each Andrzej and I want Koh Tao. It’s extra laidback, there are fewer crowds at seashores and sights, and you are able to do a lot of the finest issues to do in Koh Tao on foot.

We’ve discovered that the trick is to search out the island that most closely fits you and your fashion of journey. Read on to uncover the similarities and variations between Koh Samui and Koh Tao; and which island is the best one for you.

Koh Samui vs Koh Tao: How To Get There?

How To Get To Koh Samui?

Getting to Koh Samui is far simpler to do. Being considered one of Thailand’s largest islands, Koh Samui has the benefit of getting a global airport and a extra subtle community of roads.

Tourists coming in from Thailand’s capital can rapidly get to Koh Samui from Bangkok on an hour and quarter-hour flight through Bangkok Airways. But in the event you’re questioning easy methods to get to Koh Samui from different Thai and main worldwide cities, right here’s a brief rundown:

• Phuket to Koh Samui (one hour through Bangkok Airways) – A direct flight from Thailand’s largest and hottest island, Phuket, takes solely an hour.

• Chiang Mai to Koh Samui (one hour, 50 minutes through Bangkok Airways) – From the mountainous area of northern Thailand, a direct route from Chiang Mai is lower than two hours.

• Krabi to Koh Samui (one hour through Bangkok Airways) – You’ll take a one-hour flight from Thailand’s southern metropolis of Krabi province.

However, flying is just not the one method to get to Koh Samui. You can take an in a single day bus (or prepare) from Bangkok to Surat Thani after which swap to a ferry to Koh Samui. Crossing over will take you wherever from 90 minutes to 2 hours, relying on the kind of ferry you board. A catamaran journey will price you about $22 to $25.

The bus transit stands out as the longer route, taking about 13 to 16 hours however midway by way of your journey, you’ll cease for a meal. Make probably the most of your journey by maintaining your eyes peeled and snapping some photos of the beautiful landscapes.

How To Get To Koh Tao?

You have fewer choices to get to Koh Tao, which gratefully solely simplifies the method. A ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is your finest wager. The journey will take about an hour and half-hour to 2 hours and price between $20 and $29.

Keep in thoughts although, that Koh Tao is extremely hilly. This means vehicles aren’t actually an possibility for getting across the island, so that you’ll need to go for the weird however enjoyable scooter.

Koh Tao or Koh Samui: The General Vibe

An apparent differentiator between Koh Tao and Koh Samui is every island’s common vibe and ambiance.

As we’ve identified, Koh Samui is far bigger and feels very like the mainland. The island has loads of small neighborhoods characterised by charming eating places, elegant procuring malls, and high-end resorts.

So in the event you’re in search of an expensive and handy vacation, Koh Samui could be the very best island to go to. You’ll discover tons of subtle facilities like meals supply apps comparable to FoodPanda and Grab.

Koh Tao is tiny compared, supplying you with that extra laidback “island vibe”. The island is much less developed and fewer westernized (for instance, there’s no McDonald’s or Starbucks).

Activities in Koh Tao sometimes revolve round Koh Tao seashores; diving and snorkeling are the most well-liked issues to do on the island.

Top Things To Do In Koh Tao vs Koh Samui

Sunbathing, browsing, snorkeling, and procuring — that’s solely the floor of most Koh Samui holidays. Besides these normal suspects, you’ll discover numerous enjoyable issues to do in Koh Samui.

For a extra off-the-beaten-path expertise, you possibly can take excursions to the elephant sanctuary, go to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, and go on quad-bike safari excursions.

Thanks to the island’s clear turquoise waters and beautiful coral reefs, Koh Tao is broadly often known as a snorkeling mecca of Thailand. . Along the shore, you’ll discover loads of diving colleges and outfitters.

Go on a scuba diving expertise or a speedboat across the island to discover Koh Tao in the easiest way doable.

Best Beaches In Koh Samui vs Koh Tao

Koh Samui Beaches

Koh Samui seashores are significantly extra widespread and far simpler to get to. They attract many vacationers and seashore lovers alike, particularly throughout peak season. The finest time to go to Koh Samui seashores is within the shoulder month from March to June.

Thanks to the sunny days and heat temperatures, you’ll take pleasure in loads of water actions like fishing, island hopping, and snorkeling. Or merely hire a cabana and spend your day chilling on the seashore.

Some well-known seashores in Koh Samui embody:

• Chaweng Beach — Home to an array of bars and eating places that rework into seashore celebration hubs when the solar goes down.

• Lamai Beach — Boulders, palm bushes, and powdery white sands. Pick the Baobab Restaurant as your base for the day and get to make use of their kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and small water trampoline freed from cost!

• Bo Phut Beach — A terrific place for a mesmerizing early morning (dawn) or night (sundown) stroll. Explore the seafood markets in Fisherman’s Village; in the event you’re an adrenaline seeker, you will love jet snowboarding and waterboarding.

• Silver Beach — A 273-yard seashore good for a lazy day. The water is evident, and you may see the fish swimming about. Silver Beach additionally has calm and comparatively shallow waters, making it preferrred for households touring with youngsters.

Koh Tao Beaches

On the flip aspect, Koh Tao is sprawling with abandoned bays as an alternative of crowded seashores. So in the event you’re in search of an escape from the hustle and bustle – Koh Tao is for you.

While most of the seashores in Koh Tao are centered round snorkeling alongside the dazzling coral reefs, you’ll additionally discover loads of tranquil seashores good for a quiet day on the shoreline.

Some well-known Koh Tao seashores embody:

• Shark Bay — Thailand’s finest seashore for snorkeling, and with some luck and a little bit of effort, it’s possible you’ll spot a shark.

• Sairee Beach  — The longest, busiest, and hottest seashore in Koh Tao, with energetic shores dotted with vibrant bars, eating places, resorts, and diving colleges.

• Nangyuan Island — This postcard-worthy island is the standard depiction of Koh Tao; the island is linked by a sandbar, surrounded by clear turquoise waters, and has beautiful hills within the background.

Koh Samui vs Koh Tao: Nightlife

If you wish to discover the highest Gulf of Thailand nightlife, you will not go mistaken with Koh Samui. The island boasts loads of vibrant golf equipment, bars, and lounges. There are additionally extra eating places, and meals choices in Koh Samui, so romantic diners are a should.

In distinction, Koh Tao has a extra relaxed and slow-paced environment. But that’s to not say you gained’t discover a formidable choice of bars and golf equipment in Koh Tao.

There are fairly just a few seashore events, and pub crawls in Koh Tao, however nothing tops the enjoyable issues to do in Koh Samui’s nightlife.

For a singular expertise, head to the neighboring Koh Phangan for an epic full-moon celebration, the island additionally hosts waterfall festivals and day-after festivals.

Koh Samui vs Koh Tao: Food

One factor you gained’t have any hassle discovering on these two islands is tasty, flavorful, and zesty Thai meals. From upscale restaurants in Koh Samui to road meals in Koh Tao, you’ll at all times discover the very best Thai dishes.

The meals and evening markets in Lamai and Bophut provide mouthwatering delicacies on Koh Samui, with dishes below simply $3. Join an genuine Thai cooking class adopted by a market tour to get a glimpse of how the standard fare is made.

And in the event you’re craving some deep-fried hen or a towering smash burger, don’t you are concerned — Koh Samui has many bars and eating places serving American and Western classics.

While Koh Tao has fewer eating places, the paradise island boasts a number of eateries providing a soothing environment. Centrally situated, Tree House Cafe presents breathtaking mountain views, minimal island decor, and distinctive meals ready by Chef Yok.

Koh Samui vs Koh Tao: Where To Stay?

Now let’s discuss lodging. Koh Samui and Koh Tao are two of the very best locations to go to in Thailand for first-time vacationers, and it’s not exhausting to see why. Both islands provide beautiful bungalow resorts, beachside villas, and resorts.

Koh Samui Hotels

Koh Samui has a broader scale of funds, mid-range, and luxurious resorts (finest household resorts in Koh Samui). If you are touring by way of Thailand on a funds, Koh Samui backpackers will love staying on the Monkey Samui Hostel. It’s nice to satisfy fellow vacationers and go to the Big Buddha.

If you’re touring in a bunch or with youngsters, you’ll undoubtedly want more room, so reserving a beachside villa is your finest wager.

Here are some choices:

• Thai House Beach — Located in beautiful Lamai Beach, this beachside resort presents loads of facilities, together with an indoor and outside pool, a kiddies pool, an on-site restaurant, and room service.

• ibis Samui— An idyllic resort with wonderful views and residential facilities like laundry services, convention rooms, and an unspoiled personal seashore that {couples} love.

• The Sarann Hotel— Less than 0.2 miles from the well-known Chaweng Noi Beach, this contemporary beachside villa boasts elegant decor, Wi-Fi, a health heart, and a number of other eating places.

Koh Tao Hotels

• Nangyuan Island Dive Resort— This distant beachside villa is a perfect escape for vacationers who wish to keep away from crowded seashores and have a extra laid-back trip. You’ll be spoiled for alternative relating to water actions and miles of golden sands to put about.

• Beach Club by Haad Tien — If you are an avid diver or snorkel fanatic, this bungalow resort is ideally situated on Shark Bay. You’ll have entry to crystal-clear waters, palm-lined backdrops, and scrumptious Thai delicacies.

• Fisherman Koh Tao— A budget-friendly various in Koh Tao, nestled amongst a verdant tropical backyard, this resort is simply 20 minutes from Freedom Beach. The service is immaculate; cease by the entrance desk and get concierge help for baggage storage services, shuttles, and sightseeing actions.

Should You Visit Koh Samui or Koh Tao?