Koh Samui or Phuket: Which Thai island is right for you?

Koh Samui and Phuket are two of Thailand’s most exciting destinations. Both entice with tropical air, glistening seas and those delectable Thai curries. There really is no wrong answer – each island ticks boxes for different types of travellers. So, which one is more for you?

At a glance: Koh Samui vs Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, with a great variety of beaches from secluded sandy coves to larger, bustling bays. Nightlife ranges from party-all-night craziness at Patong to serene sunset cocktails at beach clubs. Phuket sits near the glorious Phi Phi Islands, home to a range of bucket-list dive spots. Its international airport makes getting there a breeze, especially for families with little ones in tow. For a first trip to Thailand, Phuket is a great option.

Smaller than Phuket, Koh Samui’s slower pace shows up in all the best ways; morning yoga with a sea view, fresh coconut pancakes on the beach, and tuk-tuk rides to quiet coves and open-air spas. There are livelier corners if you want them – Chaweng for beach bars, Lamai for late nights, and Fisherman’s Village for family-friendly evenings – but the overall vibe stays low-key. The island has a small but well-connected airport, with most flights coming from within Thailand. If you’re flying in from the UK, you’ll typically connect via Bangkok, Hong Kong or Singapore.

Weather-wise: when’s the best time to go?

Is the weather better in Koh Samui or Phuket? Koh Samui has temperatures averaging 28-32°C all year. The driest, sunniest months are typically between May and September, and the rainy season falls between October and December. The best time to visit Koh Samui is during the driest months.

Phuket’s year-round temperatures average 22-34°C, but when is the best time to visit Phuket? For ideal sunbathing weather, head there between November and March. The southwest monsoon brings downpours from May to October.

Is Koh Samui quieter than Phuket?

Not always. Both islands have busy beach towns and quiet corners – it just depends where you stay. Phuket is bigger, so naturally offers more variety, from high-rise hotels and nightlife in Patong to tucked-away resorts near Cape Panwa. Samui’s built-up spots like Chaweng can feel just as lively, but there are still plenty of laid-back areas. We can help you pinpoint the right base, whether you’re after a bit more energy, somewhere peaceful, or a mix of both.

Which island is better for families?

Both are great options, but Phuket takes the edge for families thanks to the range of things to do. There are calm beaches, boat trips to nearby islands, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus big days out like Andamanda Waterpark or the Elephant Care Experience – a half-day visit to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary that’s both fun and meaningful.

Samui has its own family-friendly highlights too. Kids will love jeep safaris through the island’s jungle interior, spotting waterfalls and stopping to see Big Buddha. Sailing trips are another easy win, and the smaller size makes getting around simple. It’s a good pick for families after a more relaxed setting with a bit of soft adventure thrown in.

Planning a honeymoon? Here’s what to consider

Both islands have their romantic side, with private-pool villas, sunset spots and plenty of ways to unwind. Koh Samui leans more towards that classic honeymoon feel, with intimate resorts, clifftop infinity pools and candlelit dinners on the beach. Rocky’s Boutique Resort has charm and seclusion in equal measure, while Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui offers five-star peace with knockout sea views. 

Phuket has its honeymoon havens too. Paresa Phuket is all about dramatic sunsets from your own villa, and The Shore at Kata Thani has a grown-up, luxurious feel with restaurants, shops and day trips close by if you fancy getting out and about.

Nightlife: lively evenings or laid-back cocktails?

Phuket comes out swinging with its nightlife – from rooftop bars and beach clubs to neon-lit streets and all-night venues in Patong. You’ll also find more low-key evenings in Phuket Old Town, with live music bars, local restaurants and a more relaxed pace.

Koh Samui can be just as lively in places, especially around Chaweng, the island’s main party hub. But if your idea of a night out leans more towards sundowners, chilled playlists and sea views, you’ll find plenty of stylish cocktail bars and live music lounges too.

Things to do: beaches, culture and unique adventures

Golden beaches, vibrant street food and authentic Thai culture are staples on both islands. Discover how to make Thai curry in a cooking class, stroll among tranquil temples or simply relax by the sea. In Koh Samui, highlights include jungle safaris, the striking Big Buddha and boat trips to Ang Thong Marine Park. Phuket is perfect for sea kayaking, island-hopping to the Phi Phi Islands, and ethical elephant experiences, first passing through quaint local villages.

Where to stay in Phuket

Phuket’s wide variety of accommodation options will satisfy everyone from families to romantics and those who have cash to splash. Yearning for surf, jungle and chic nightlife? Kamala’s your spot. Escaping the world? Mai Khao will envelop you in unspoilt forests, and you may even see turtles on the beach. Epic views of sweeping bays? The Nai Harn. Or party until dawn at Patong, Phuket’s busiest resort. Patong’s calmer neighbours include Karon, Kata and Kata Noi – there’s still lots of life but it’s not as crazy as Patong. Practice your golf swing in Bang Tao, where you can stay at an exclusive destination resort. Or if ‘serene’ is how you like your holidays, head to the Cape Panwa Hotel away from tourist hubs.

Where to stay in Koh Samui

Koh Samui offers resorts to suit every mood, from intimate hideaways to family-friendly escapes. For romantic luxury, Banyan Tree Samui has private pool villas perched above Lamai Bay and a tranquil spa and families will love Santiburi Koh Samui, with lush gardens, beachfront villas and a kids’ club with yoga and cooking classes. Prefer sleek style on the sand? Centara Reserve Samui blends modern design with pool zones near Chaweng’s shops and bars.

Can you visit both islands in one trip?

Absolutely. Phuket and Koh Samui are just a one-hour flight apart, making it easy to combine them into one holiday. It’s a great way to see two sides of island life – from beach clubs and buzzing towns to palm-lined coves and spa days. 

Or go bigger. You can pair Samui with Bangkok or Chiang Mai for a culture-rich adventure, or hop between islands and add laid-back Koh Phangan into the mix. However you want to shape it, we can help plan an itinerary that fits your travel style. 

See all our Thailand itineraries and multi-centres or chat to us for tailored advice.

This feature was created on 8th July 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.