So it’s Koh Samui vs Koh Tao on your subsequent Thai trip. That’s a tough nut to crack. Each islands are drop-dead attractive, dotted with pristine white-sand seashores, cliffside bungalow motels, and an air of quintessential island dwelling.
However 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. As compared, Koh Tao is far smaller and attracts fewer crowds.
Regardless of being smaller, each Andrzej and I choose Koh Tao. It is extra laidback, there are fewer crowds at seashores and points of interest, 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 model of journey. Learn on to uncover the similarities and variations between Koh Samui and Koh Tao; and which island is the precise one for you.
Koh Samui vs Koh Tao: How To Get There?
One main factor Koh Samui and Koh Tao have in frequent is that each islands are within the Thai Gulf, east of the mainland. So attending to both isle would require touring by way of ferry or airplane.
How To Get To Koh Samui?
Attending to Koh Samui is far simpler to do. Being one among Thailand’s largest islands, Koh Samui has the benefit of getting a global airport and a extra refined community of roads.
Vacationers coming in from Thailand’s capital can shortly get to Koh Samui from Bangkok on an hour and quarter-hour flight by way of Bangkok Airways. However in case 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 by way of 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 by way of 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 by way of Bangkok Airways) – You may take a one-hour flight from Thailand’s southern metropolis of Krabi province.
Nonetheless, flying is just not the one strategy to get to Koh Samui. You may 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 experience will value you about $22 to $25.
The bus transit will be the longer route, taking about 13 to 16 hours however midway via your journey, you’ll cease for a meal. Take advantage of your journey by preserving your eyes peeled and snapping some footage of the gorgeous landscapes.
How To Get To Koh Tao?
You could 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 guess. The experience will take about an hour and half-hour to 2 hours and price between $20 and $29.
Take into accout although, that Koh Tao is extremely hilly. This implies automobiles aren’t actually an possibility for getting across the island, so that you’ll need to go for the bizarre however enjoyable scooter.
Koh Tao or Koh Samui: The Basic 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 motels.
So in case you’re on the lookout for an expensive and handy vacation, Koh Samui can be the most effective island to go to. You’ll discover tons of refined facilities like meals supply apps comparable to FoodPanda and Seize.
Koh Tao is tiny compared, providing 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).
Actions in Koh Tao usually revolve round Koh Tao seashores; diving and snorkeling are the most well-liked issues to do on the island.
Prime Issues To Do In Koh Tao vs Koh Samui
Sunbathing, browsing, snorkeling, and procuring — that’s solely the floor of most Koh Samui holidays. In addition to these traditional 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 Nationwide Marine Park, and go on quad-bike safari excursions.
Due to the island’s clear turquoise waters and gorgeous coral reefs, Koh Tao is extensively referred to as a snorkeling mecca of Thailand. . Alongside 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 attainable.
Greatest Seashores In Koh Samui vs Koh Tao
Exploring the white-sand seashores and turquoise waters is a must-do in Thailand. Every island presents wonderful swimming, snorkeling, and diving circumstances, however there are just a few key variations.
Koh Samui Seashores
Koh Samui seashores are significantly extra well-liked 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.
Due to the sunny days and heat temperatures, you’ll get pleasure from loads of water actions like fishing, island hopping, and snorkeling. Or just hire a cabana and spend your day chilling on the seashore.
Some well-known seashores in Koh Samui embrace:
- Chaweng Seashore — House to an array of bars and eating places that remodel into seashore social gathering hubs when the solar goes down.
- Lamai Seashore — Boulders, palm timber, and powdery white sands. Decide 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 Seashore — An important place for a mesmerizing early morning (dawn) or night (sundown) stroll. Discover the seafood markets in Fisherman’s Village; in case you’re an adrenaline seeker, you may love jet snowboarding and waterboarding.
- Silver Seashore — A 273-yard seashore excellent for a lazy day. The water is obvious, and you may see the fish swimming about. Silver Seashore additionally has calm and comparatively shallow waters, making it supreme for households touring with youngsters.
Koh Tao Seashores
On the flip facet, Koh Tao is sprawling with abandoned bays as a substitute of crowded seashores. So in case you’re on the lookout for an escape from the hustle and bustle – Koh Tao is for you.
Whereas most of the seashores in Koh Tao are centered round snorkeling alongside the dazzling coral reefs, you’ll additionally discover loads of tranquil seashores excellent for a quiet day on the shoreline.
Some well-known Koh Tao seashores embrace:
- Shark Bay — Thailand’s finest seashore for snorkeling, and with some luck and a little bit of effort, chances are you’ll spot a shark.
- Sairee Seashore — The longest, busiest, and hottest seashore in Koh Tao, with energetic shores dotted with vibrant bars, eating places, motels, and diving colleges.
- Nangyuan Island — This postcard-worthy island is the standard depiction of Koh Tao; the island is related by a sandbar, surrounded by clear turquoise waters, and has gorgeous 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 improper 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 ambiance. However that’s to not say you gained’t discover a powerful 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 novel expertise, head to the neighboring Koh Phangan for an epic full-moon social gathering, the island additionally hosts waterfall festivals and day-after festivals.
Koh Samui vs Koh Tao: Meals
One factor you gained’t have any bother discovering on these two islands is tasty, flavorful, and zesty Thai meals. From upscale eating places in Koh Samui to road meals in Koh Tao, you’ll all the time discover the most effective Thai dishes.
The meals and night time markets in Lamai and Bophut supply mouthwatering delicacies on Koh Samui, with dishes beneath simply $3. Be part of an genuine Thai cooking class adopted by a market tour to get a glimpse of how the standard fare is made.
And in case 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.
Whereas Koh Tao has fewer eating places, the paradise island boasts a number of eateries providing a calming ambiance. Centrally situated, Tree Home Cafe presents breathtaking mountain views, minimal island decor, and distinctive meals ready by Chef Yok.
Koh Samui vs Koh Tao: The place To Keep?
Now let’s discuss lodging. Koh Samui and Koh Tao are two of the most effective locations to go to in Thailand for first-time vacationers, and it’s not arduous to see why. Each islands supply gorgeous bungalow resorts, beachside villas, and motels.
Koh Samui Inns
Koh Samui has a broader scale of price range, mid-range, and luxurious motels (finest household resorts in Koh Samui). When you’re touring via Thailand on a price range, Koh Samui backpackers will love staying on the Monkey Samui Hostel. It is nice to fulfill fellow vacationers and go to the Massive Buddha.
When you’re touring in a bunch or with youngsters, you’ll positively want more room, so reserving a beachside villa is your finest guess.
Listed here are some choices:
- Thai Home Seashore — Positioned in gorgeous Lamai Seashore, 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 amenities, convention rooms, and an unspoiled non-public seashore that {couples} love.
- The Sarann Resort— Lower than 0.2 miles from the well-known Chaweng Noi Seashore, this contemporary beachside villa boasts elegant decor, Wi-Fi, a health middle, and several other eating places.
Koh Tao Inns
Resulting from restricted lodging choices in Koh Tao, you’ll have to pay a bit extra on your keep. Koh Tao’s secluded nature usually appeals to solo vacationers and backpackers who flock to the island for its wonderful watersport and charming night time markets.
Listed here are just a few lodging choices in Koh Tao:
- Nangyuan Island Dive Resort— This distant beachside villa is a perfect escape for vacationers who need to keep away from crowded seashores and have a extra laid-back trip. You may be spoiled for alternative concerning water actions and miles of golden sands to put about.
- Seashore Membership by Haad Tien — When you’re an avid diver or snorkel fanatic, this bungalow resort is ideally situated on Shark Bay. You may 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 Seashore. The service is immaculate; cease by the entrance desk and get concierge help for baggage storage amenities, shuttles, and sightseeing actions.
Ought to You Go to Koh Samui or Koh Tao?
Koh Samui is the larger and hottest of the 2, it’s totally touristy, and you will find loads of ex-pats dwelling on the island. You may additionally discover it a lot simpler to get from place to position; renting a automobile or taxi on your subsequent journey is fairly easy.
Tip: Tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and Songthaews are the commonest and least expensive type of transportation.
Whereas Koh Tao is far smaller and quieter, it presents the identical tropical journey. You may discover numerous stunning locations to find that will not be packed filled with vacationers and abandoned bays, making you are feeling such as you’re on a personal island.
In the end the choice between Koh Samui vs Koh Tao depends in your wants and desires as a traveler. Each islands supply pristine turquoise seashores with bustling meals and night time markets and among the most epic moon events on the earth.
Which is the most effective? In our opinion, go to each and resolve on lived experiences.
