Krabi vs Koh Samui: how to choose

You want a Thailand beach holiday, but how do you choose between Krabi or Koh Samui? Both are blessed with warm, turquoise seas, tropical backdrops and as much downtime or adventure as you desire – but that’s where the similarities end.

Krabi province is home to dramatic limestone cliffs and island-hopping by longtail boat and Koh Samui is an island fringed with swimmable beaches, stylish resorts and buzzy nightlife. So, which is better: Krabi or Koh Samui? Let’s break it down.

Getting there & getting around

You can fly to Krabi directly from Bangkok or via some international hubs. Travel between mainland Krabi and its collection of islands, such as Railay or Phi Phi, is by long-tail boat, which adds a splash of adventure to the journey.

Koh Samui is more connected – you can fly directly from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or even Singapore. On the ground, taxis and rental cars make getting around a breeze. The infrastructure is good and it’s easy to navigate.

Vibe & pace

Krabi is the wild child, with tangled jungle clinging to cliffs, hidden caves and unspoilt beaches hidden away from the crowds. Unleash your inner monkey and try some of the remote climbing spots, then relieve stiff limbs with a massage at your wellness resort. It’s ideal for travellers seeking a bucolic destination, where nature, rather than nightlife, reigns supreme.

Koh Samui is more developed. It has larger resorts, beach clubs, bustling markets and a sociable evening buzz. But don’t worry, it’s not party-central everywhere (the main strips of Chaweng and Lamai being the exception) – the vibe is more ‘happy island holiday’ rather than hardcore techno trance mash-up. Whether you’re after honeymoon bliss or bronzed beach days, Koh Samui delivers romance and rays.

Beaches

Looking for the best beaches in Krabi or Koh Samui? Here’s the lowdown:

Krabi’s stunning coastline will have your jaw hitting the floor: towering limestone cliffs that slice into luminous turquoise waters, with secret sandy bays snuggled in between. Because of the dramatic cliffs, many beaches can only be reached by boat and not all are ideal for swimming. Top picks include Railay, Ao Nang and the powder-soft Phra Nang Cave Beach.

You can get to Koh Samui’s beaches without using any mode of transport other than your feet. Easily accessible, swimmable and just what the doctor ordered for a day where your biggest ‘problem’ is how many times you should take a dip. Try Chaweng or Lamai for vibey beach bars or Bophut and Maenam for peace and palm-shaded sands.

Food & drink

Krabi’s food scene is all about rustic, local dishes – think beachfront BBQs, seafood shacks and ice-cold beers drunk with your toes in the sand. The flavours remain undeniably Thai – creamy coconut curries, plenty of spice and juicy mango sticky rice – but there’s less emphasis on international dishes.

Koh Samui caters to all tastes and budgets. Settle into a bean bag on the beach for a wood-fired pizza, grab street food at the night market or slip on your heels for an elegant evening of fine dining.

Things to do and see

Whether you’re into temples or turquoise bays, this Krabi vs Koh Samui travel guide has your must-dos covered.

Top things to do in Krabi

Take a longtail boat to the Hong Islands or the iconic Phi Phi, which is a supreme snorkelling and diving spot. Go rock climbing at Railay (or just watch from a hammock if even the thought of it makes you feel dizzy). Kayak through the tranquil mangroves and explore hidden sea caves. Hike the heart-racing 1,200+ steps to the Tiger Cave Temple for epic, Instagram-worthy views before catching the sunset at the wildly beautiful beaches of Ao Nang or Phra Nang. Read our Krabi guide here.

Top things to do in Koh Samui

Visit the golden Buddha at the Big Buddha Temple or the hilltop Secret Buddha Garden. Swim in the jungle beneath Na Muang Waterfalls and feel like you’ve escaped to paradise. Take a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park for kayaking and snorkelling around karst rock formations. Get the party started and enjoy fire shows and cocktails on Chaweng Beach. Join a Thai cooking class and learn how to make a killer curry paste, or indulge in a hilltop spa treatment and Thai massage. Read our Samui guide here. 

Best time to visit Thailand

When it comes to Krabi vs Koh Samui, timing matters:

Krabi’s dry season is from November to April, making it great for winter sun seekers. Koh Samui is bathed in rays between January and September, which makes it a better option for summer holidays. If you’re tied to summer travel, Koh Samui has more reliable weather. For winter sun, either works — just check your specific dates.

Santiburi Koh Samui

Stylish stays

Koh Samui

Best for romance: Rocky’s Boutique Resort

Boutique-sized, private and intimate, with inspiring views over three small bays.

Best for families: Santiburi Koh Samui

Beachfront bliss with a healthy offering of sports and activities.

Best for island escapism: Cape Fahn Hotel

An exclusive private island just for you, with a spa and even your own bath butler!

Varana Hotel, Krabi

Krabi

Best for boutique charm: The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort

Stylish and serene, with calm sea for superb snorkelling.

Best for wellness: Varana Hotel

A modern, sustainable wellness resort with holistic treatments and organic food.

Best for wow factor: Rayavadee

A peaceful, natural haven, only accessible by boat. Makes for a memorable honeymoon hideaway.

© Elephant Hills

See more

Krabi

For sand, sea and smiles, follow the Thailand island hopping itinerary (Phuket, Koh Yao Yai and Krabi), where we guarantee you’ll take at least 1,000 photos. Or choose our Khao Lak, Khao Sok National Park & Krabi route for a nature-immersive trip of waterfalls, beaches and jungles that combines the best of the region’s scenery. This trip includes an unforgettable stay in Elephant Hills – read our experts insightful review here.

Koh Samui

Trying to please everyone in the family is hard, but with our Thailand Family Suggested Itinerary (Chiang Mai, Samui and Bangkok), you’ll nail it. Start in the jungle with elephants, then wind down on the beach before heading to Bangkok for street food and shopping.

For contrast, pick a classic Bangkok and Koh Samui twin-centre trip. Plunge into Bangkok’s whirlwind of tuk-tuks, sizzling streetside snacks and temples, then bathe in Samui’s azure waters to wash off the city chaos.

Going for the classic city-meets-beach combo? Here's how to spend three days in Bangkok.

So, which will it be?

Still torn between Krabi vs Koh Samui? Not sure if Krabi or Koh Samui is best for couples?

Choose Krabi for off-grid beaches, longtail water taxis, rugged scenery and a wilder feel. Couples can bag that much-needed alone time together. Pick Koh Samui for resort ease, beach variety, international dining and a more sociable scene. Families will love the accessible beaches.

This feature was created on 20th June 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.