So it’s Koh Samui vs Koh Tao in 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 residing.
However there are some vital 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. Compared, Koh Tao is way 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 many of the greatest 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. Learn on to uncover the similarities and variations between Koh Samui and Koh Tao; and which island is the suitable 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 way simpler to do. Being one in every of 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 rapidly get to Koh Samui from Bangkok on an hour and quarter-hour flight by way of Bangkok Airways. However when you’re questioning how you can 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 will take a one-hour flight from Thailand’s southern metropolis of Krabi province.
Nevertheless, flying isn’t the one approach to get to Koh Samui. You possibly can take an in a single day bus (or practice) 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 could be the longer route, taking about 13 to 16 hours however midway by means of your journey, you’ll cease for a meal. Take advantage of your journey by conserving your eyes peeled and snapping some footage of the beautiful landscapes.
How To Get To Koh Tao?
You’ve gotten fewer choices to get to Koh Tao, which gratefully solely simplifies the method. A ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is your greatest wager. The experience will take about an hour and half-hour to 2 hours and price between $20 and $29.
Remember 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 Common 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 way bigger and feels very similar to the mainland. The island has loads of small neighborhoods characterised by charming eating places, elegant purchasing malls, and high-end motels.
So when you’re on the lookout for an opulent 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 akin to FoodPanda and Seize.
Koh Tao is tiny as 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 preferred issues to do on the island.
Prime Issues To Do In Koh Tao vs Koh Samui
Sunbathing, browsing, snorkeling, and purchasing — that’s solely the floor of most Koh Samui holidays. Apart from these typical suspects, you’ll discover numerous enjoyable issues to do in Koh Samui.
For a extra off-the-beaten-path expertise, you may take excursions to the elephant sanctuary, go to the Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park, and go on quad-bike safari excursions.
Because of the island’s clear turquoise waters and beautiful coral reefs, Koh Tao is broadly 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 potential.
Finest Seashores In Koh Samui vs Koh Tao
Exploring the white-sand seashores and turquoise waters is a must-do in Thailand. Every island provides wonderful swimming, snorkeling, and diving situations, however there are a number of key variations.
Koh Samui Seashores
Koh Samui seashores are significantly extra fashionable and far simpler to get to. They attract many vacationers and seaside lovers alike, particularly throughout peak season. The greatest time to go to Koh Samui seashores is within the shoulder month from March to June.
Because of 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 seaside.
Some well-known seashores in Koh Samui embody:
- Chaweng Seaside — Residence to an array of bars and eating places that remodel into seaside celebration hubs when the solar goes down.
- Lamai Seaside — Boulders, palm timber, and powdery white sands. Choose 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 Seaside — An excellent place for a mesmerizing early morning (dawn) or night (sundown) stroll. Discover the seafood markets in Fisherman’s Village; when you’re an adrenaline seeker, you will love jet snowboarding and waterboarding.
- Silver Seaside — A 273-yard seaside good for a lazy day. The water is evident, and you’ll see the fish swimming about. Silver Seaside additionally has calm and comparatively shallow waters, making it excellent for households touring with children.
Koh Tao Seashores
On the flip aspect, Koh Tao is sprawling with abandoned bays as an alternative of crowded seashores. So when 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 good for a quiet day on the shoreline.
Some well-known Koh Tao seashores embody:
- Shark Bay — Thailand’s greatest seaside for snorkeling, and with some luck and a little bit of effort, you might spot a shark.
- Sairee Seaside — The longest, busiest, and hottest seaside 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 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. However that’s to not say you gained’t discover a powerful choice of bars and golf equipment in Koh Tao.
There are fairly a number of seaside 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: Meals
One factor you gained’t have any hassle discovering on these two islands is tasty, flavorful, and zesty Thai meals. From upscale eating places in Koh Samui to avenue meals in Koh Tao, you’ll at all times discover the most effective Thai dishes.
The meals and evening markets in Lamai and Bophut supply mouthwatering delicacies on Koh Samui, with dishes below simply $3. Be part of an genuine Thai cooking class adopted by a market tour to get a glimpse of how the normal fare is made.
And when you’re craving some deep-fried rooster 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 soothing environment. Centrally positioned, Tree Home Cafe provides 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 speak about 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 beautiful bungalow resorts, beachside villas, and motels.
Koh Samui Resorts
Koh Samui has a broader scale of price range, mid-range, and luxurious motels (greatest household resorts in Koh Samui). When you’re touring by means of Thailand on a price range, Koh Samui backpackers will love staying on the Monkey Samui Hostel. It is nice to satisfy fellow vacationers and go to the Massive Buddha.
When you’re touring in a gaggle or with children, you’ll undoubtedly want more room, so reserving a beachside villa is your greatest wager.
Listed here are some choices:
- Thai Home Seaside — Positioned in beautiful Lamai Seaside, this beachside resort provides loads of facilities, together with an indoor and out of doors 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 seaside that {couples} love.
- The Sarann Lodge— Lower than 0.2 miles from the well-known Chaweng Noi Seaside, this contemporary beachside villa boasts elegant decor, Wi-Fi, a health heart, and several other eating places.
Koh Tao Resorts
Because of restricted lodging choices in Koh Tao, you might have to pay a bit extra in your keep. Koh Tao’s secluded nature typically appeals to solo vacationers and backpackers who flock to the island for its wonderful watersport and charming evening markets.
Listed here are a number of 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 will be spoiled for alternative concerning water actions and miles of golden sands to put about.
- Seaside Membership by Haad Tien — When you’re an avid diver or snorkel fanatic, this bungalow resort is ideally positioned on Shark Bay. You will 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 Seaside. The service is immaculate; cease by the entrance desk and get concierge help for baggage storage services, 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 residing on the island. You will additionally discover it a lot simpler to get from place to position; renting a automobile or taxi in your subsequent journey is fairly easy.
Tip: Tuk-tuks, bike taxis, and Songthaews are the most typical and least expensive type of transportation.
Whereas Koh Tao is way smaller and quieter, it provides the identical tropical journey. You will discover numerous lovely locations to find that will not be packed filled with vacationers and abandoned bays, making you’re 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 evening markets and among the most epic moon events on this planet.
Which is the most effective? In our opinion, go to each and determine on lived experiences.
