Beautiful seashores, crystal clear waters, and a number of the most scrumptious meals make for an island vacation vacation spot like no different. Thailand’s Koh Islands are a incredible vacation vacation spot – particularly for first-time Thailand vacationers.
Koh Samui is fairly intensive and nearly feels just like the mainland. The island is a very talked-about vacationer vacation spot for a number of causes. There are a great deal of ex-pats dwelling in villas right here, and the island may be very developed, with folks coming to remain within the luxurious 5-star resorts.
As compared, Koh Phangan additionally spelled Ko Phangan, is smaller and has a number of beautiful seashores hidden from the roads. It is good for these seeking a vacation with a extra secluded island vibe. The vast majority of the island’s shoreline is accessible by straightforward paved roads. The opposite half is much less developed and difficult to entry.
Koh Samui Or Koh Phangan
In terms of selecting both one, how will you resolve? Effectively, we’ve determined that will help you with this detailed information so you may get to know each – the identical approach we did!
When To Go to Koh Samui Island & Koh Phangan
Koh Samui experiences its splendid climate in January and February, which implies these months are tremendous busy! Nevertheless, April is the finest time to journey to Koh Samui because it’s solely barely hotter, approach much less crowded, and much cheaper.
Koh Phangan is beautiful between December and March, earlier than the annual monsoons and when the humid season begins to fade. As with Koh Samui, April is a good time to go to Koh Phangan.
As a result of everybody’s pleasure for the notorious events, December and January are the busiest months on the Koh islands however are nice months for the eager social gathering and pageant goer.
Getting To Koh Samui vs. Getting To Koh Phangan, Thailand
Koh Samui is certainly one of Thailand’s hottest islands, and getting there’s extraordinarily straightforward. Alternatively, attending to Koh Phangan Island is a bit more tough.
By tough, we don’t imply you’ll have a tough time getting there; it might simply take a bit longer with a few additional transfers.
The place Is Koh Samui & The place Is Koh Phangan
Thailand’s third largest island is Koh Samui, and it sits on Thailand’s east coast. Koh Phangan is a large Island (far smaller than Koh Samui, although) within the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of the Surat Thani province. About 100 kilometers offshore and 15 km north of Koh Samui.
Airport In Koh Samui
Koh Samui has its personal worldwide airport, and the best approach for worldwide vacationers to get there’s to take a connecting flight through Bangkok’s capital. The flight will take about an hour.
Nevertheless, there are a great deal of alternative ways (flight, ferry, and so on.) to get to Koh Samui and from completely different locations world wide, not solely from Bangkok.
Tip: Learn our information on get to Koh Samui (from Bangkok, Phuket, and extra) for some ideas and a deal or two.
Koh Phangan Airport
Sadly, Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport of its personal. Don’t stress, although; it’s attainable to succeed in the island from Bangkok through a (not so fast) prepare, ferry, and bus combo, however this can take round 16 hours of journey.
It’s far simpler and quicker to fly to Koh Samui and, from there, catch a ferry to Koh Phangan.
Going From Koh Samui To Koh Pha Ngan
So if attending to Koh Phangan quicker suits into your price range, then we positively suggest you fly to one of many close by airports, equivalent to Koh Samui Worldwide airport, and catch a ferry from there.
This journey will solely take round 7 hours. Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is one other nice choice to increase your island keep – when you have the time, after all.
Tip: Learn our Simple Information on get to Koh Phangan, and save your self time, cash, and pointless fear.
Which Koh Island Has The Greatest Vibe?
The ambiance is every part. What’s peaceable and quiet for one could also be boring for one more. Discovering a spot to match your vibe is the last word purpose, as you need to get probably the most out of your journey.
Koh Samui will tick all of the bins for those who’re in search of consolation and luxurious. There are such a lot of vacationer sights close by, together with a global meals mall space, film theatres, and extra. A number of the finest seashores in Thailand are in nice numbers on Koh Samui, equivalent to our private favourite – Lamai Seashore.
Should you’re brief on time and simply need to go someplace by the seashore and escape the town, you can find Koh Samui a simple and handy journey.
Individuals usually journey to Koh Phangan to unwind and eat good meals, rent a ship to a different seashore for some snorkeling and lunch, and discover different seashores on the island. It’s laid again, relaxed, and in style with yoga practitioners, the health-conscious, and various folks (they’ve various and alcohol-free occasions too).
Greatest Seashores Koh Samui vs. Koh Phangan
Each of those islands have seashores like one thing out of a dream – crystal clear waters, fish swimming round, white sands form of dream. Selecting one over the opposite will likely be tough as they’re each so distinctive of their methods.
Phangan Seashores are a bit extra secluded, and you can find some beautiful distant areas right here. The entire island is way quieter, whereas on Koh Samui, you’ll have entry to extra luxurious seashore choices with loads of solar loungers, massages, and eating places.
Koh Phangan Island’s Greatest Seashores
Should you’re wanting on a map, don’t be stunned for those who rely over 30 seashores.
There are masses, and they’re all gorgeous in a alternative ways. We’d suggest hiring a scooter to have the ability to get round and uncover a few of them. We’ve narrowed some down that will help you select.
Our prime 6 finest seashores on Koh Phangan:
- Mae Haad Seashore: Situated on the northwest level of Koh Phangan, it’s the most effective seashores on the island. Throughout low tide, the seashore connects with a sandbank to Koh Ma, a tiny uncooked island.
- Bottle Seashore: Situated on the most northern level of the island, one of the vital difficult seashores to succeed in however one of the vital rewarding because it’s tremendous secluded.
- Thong Nai Pan: Discovered within the north of the island is that this chilled seashore, which is likely one of the finest on the island.
- Haad Yao: Discovered on the west coast of the island, this seashore is slightly livelier.
- Haad Salad: This seashore is quiet and extra household oriented.
- Haad Rin: This seashore is the place it’s at throughout Full Moon Celebration time. Nevertheless, it’s fairly relaxed exterior these 5 days of the month.
Greatest Seashores In Koh Samui
On Samui, you’ll be spoilt for alternative concerning its lovely seashores. Discovering one of the best seashore in Koh Samui isn’t all the time straightforward, particularly with many choices.
Don’t fear although! Our information to one of the best seashores in Koh Samui has narrowed it down for you.
Issues To Do In Koh Samui vs. Koh Phangan
If jam-packed exercise and vacationer packages are one thing you’re after, then Koh Samui is the island for you. It’s tremendous straightforward to lease an excellent automotive (and baby seat) or catch a taxi and zip from place to put.
You’ll be thrilled to seek out that almost all seashores have kayaks and paddleboards; some even have water trampolines. So for those who love getting out into the water, then Koh Samui has a great deal of choices. You could possibly even go for a Coral and Pig Island Boat Tour, the place you’ll be able to go on an island-hopping journey and uncover lovely coral reefs.
Koh Samui has some fairly wonderful day journeys exploring the island, certainly one of our favourite ones was the Wild Jungle Safari Tour. It contains lunch, visiting a number of websites, together with the Large Buddha, and an incredible viewing platform.
Koh Phangan caters to the retreat vacation spot aspect of issues, with many religious workshops, snorkeling alternatives, and stress-free meditation. Right here you can find ample alternative to laze the times away in a hammock. It’s a soul-rebooting island, for positive.
Should you’re on the lookout for a day journey, we’d suggest an Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park Speedboat Tour from Koh Phangan. It takes you to a number of the most secluded snorkeling spots and is a incredible option to discover past the island.
It’s a tad tough to get round right here with no scooter, so we suggest hiring one for exploring the island.
Koh Samui Nightlife vs. Koh Phangan Nightlife
Whether or not you are on the lookout for full-blown events, quiet and quirky bars, or simply avoiding that complete social gathering/nightlife scene altogether, each islands have all three choices.
You’ll find vibey nightlife in Koh Samui, and if that’s what you’re on the lookout for, head to Chaweng Seashore. It’s the hub for golf equipment, pubs, and bars. One other incredible spot for a extra relaxed evening out is Bophut, the place you’ll discover evening markets and craft beer bars.
Nightlife on Koh Pha Ngan is the principle draw due to the total and half moon events on Haad Rin. Nevertheless, you may get expertise the tenderness of a serene island getaway by stepping away from the island’s south coast.
Tropical Thai Island Meals: Koh Samui vs. Koh Panang
One factor is for positive; we ate nicely whereas holidaying on these two islands. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for 5-star delicacies, scrumptious avenue meals, or an informal plate on the seashore, you’ll discover it in abundance.
We’ve shared a few of our favorites beneath for some inspiration for those who’re undecided what/the place to eat.
Locations To Eat In Koh Samui
Andrzej liked the meals on this island. It was hands-down the spotlight for him. Baobab restaurant has probably the most scrumptious Thai and French meals, an incredible view, and incredible service. We completely liked sitting and having fun with a meal right here.
The Silver spoon eatery was additionally a prime favourite of ours, because the Pad Thai right here is scrumptious, and so they have such an incredible selection on their menu.
Marco Polo Resort & Restaurant is thought on Samui for its seafood. Nevertheless, they provide scrumptious conventional Italian dishes, together with pizza.
Try our article on the finest eating places in Koh Samui and see for your self.
Locations to eat in Koh Phangan
We liked that there have been so many wholesome meals choices at Ko Pha Ngan. It’s nice for vegans or simply those that are extra health-conscious, or if, like us, you choose up an excessive amount of weight in Koh Samui, you could be more healthy in Koh Phangan.
Downtown Thong Sala; you’ll discover a market that’s open every day and each evening with scrumptious Thai avenue meals. Some avenue meals choices? Effectively, to call a couple of: Moo ping (grilled pork skewers) are actually good, and Pad Thai (fried noodles), or you would attempt some Khao Man Gai (hen and rice). It’s wonderful.
The vastly in style restaurant Wasabi is well-known on the island for having one of the best sushi. We recommend heading to Basilico Koh Phangan for those who’re trying to take pleasure in scrumptious pizza and also you want a break from Thai meals.
Koh Samui Motels vs. Ko Phangan Lodging
Discovering an attractive place to remain on both of those islands is straightforward. Each have beautiful lodges. In Koh Samui, there are many high-quality and splendid lodges for an affordable worth. So for those who’re on the lookout for an enormous alternative of lodges at a 4- and 5-star degree, then this island is most positively for you.
If good views and pristine seashore residences are extra your issues, Koh Phangan will test all of your bins.
There are some variations in resort costs and selection between the 2 islands. Koh Samui is a bit cheaper, and there are way more choices to select from, whereas Phangan has fewer to select from, and so they’re barely extra dear.
Greatest Koh Samui Island Lodging
You’ll discover that Samui affords one of the best worth and a broader vary to select from, with loads of 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star choices, and most embody breakfast.
Greatest areas to remain, with lodging choices:
Greatest for: a quiet & laid again vibe.
The place to remain: Thai Home Seashore
Greatest for: It’s shallow waters & a family-friendly ambiance.
The place to remain: Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Seashore or Hansar Samui Resort
Greatest for: it’s busier, near markets (Fishermans Market) and has some vibey bars.
The place to remain: White Whale Beachfront Pool Villa
Greatest for: It’s actually accessible and the vacationer hub of the island.
The place to remain: Casa De Mar Lodge
Greatest Motels on Koh Phangan Island
Koh Phangan Motels have one of the best views. It’s additionally way more secluded right here, and also you’ll discover rather a lot fewer vacationers. Nevertheless, there are far fewer 5-star choices on this island, however you can find a great deal of actually beautiful 3-star choices.
In terms of discovering the right place to remain in Koh Phangan, you have to search for the seashore space that fits you finest. The seashore space of Haad Rin is the place all the total moon social gathering motion is, so except that is what you are going for, we advise wanting elsewhere throughout that point in Koh Phangan.
Greatest areas to stick with lodging choices:
Greatest for: There’s an incredible alternative of eating places together with a colourful meals market.
The place to remain: Milky Bay Resort or Lime N Soda Beachfront Resort
Greatest for: An Final magnificence and really secluded (half-hour from most issues).
The place to remain: Panviman Resort or Santhiya Resort & Spa
Greatest for: Undeveloped and secluded. The coral reef could be discovered 300 meters off the seashore.
The place to remain: Kupu Kupu Seashore Villas & Spa
Greatest for: Seashore swings, hammocks, and normal paradise hangouts.
The place to remain: Maehaad Bay Resort
Koh Phangan or Koh Samui: The Verdict
Ask Andrzej, and he’ll inform you his favourite island Koh Samui as a result of it’s simply really easy for vacationers. This Thai island had high-end resorts galore, a therapeutic massage store at nearly each flip, and a ton of tourist-focused amenities like cinemas, a global meals mall space, and extra.
He loved the meals extra in Koh Samui. There are tonnes of incredible kinds of cuisines and a great deal of unbelievable eating places. It was additionally tremendous straightforward to get solar loungers on seashores (for these not staying at a resort that’s on the seashore).
Koh Samui is a considerably touristy island with many large and small lodges, eating places that cater to vacationers, and villages with a great deal of therapeutic massage retailers. Discovering non-public jungle areas or a secluded seashore could also be tough – particularly throughout peak season.
Jolene can not select a favourite and recommends you get to each throughout your journey. She thinks Koh Samui is the best island to regulate to. It’s extra tourist-friendly, and also you’ll see extra vacationers than locals.
She believes Koh Phangan is extra pure and the right place to get the island really feel as vacationers have taken over Koh Samui. The previous is a good place to decelerate as every part felt so inexperienced and quiet after being on Koh Samui. You’ll additionally discover a ton of wholesome meals choices, which is nice for vegans and the health-conscious.
Remaining Ideas On Koh Samui vs. Koh Phangan, Thailand
We might suggest that you just attempt to go to each islands whereas touring Thailand. They’re simply so completely different and distinctive! Nevertheless, it helps to grasp the variations between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The trick is to seek out the island that most closely fits you and your model of journey
We hope you loved studying our little Koh Phangan vs. Koh Samui information as a lot as we loved placing it collectively – onsite and behind the scenes!
Tip: Try our different World Locations for a variety of useful planning sources.
