The wind in your hair, fine sand between your toes, palm trees swaying around you and the ocean lapping just a few feet away. Aaaah, the island life.
Do you also dream of a relaxing island getaway? If your wanderlust is itching for some island vibes, then you will love exploring Thailand. I've got even better news, Thailand offers not just one or two but many different, stunning islands you can freely choose from!
Whether you're looking to find a silent island destination to hang in a hammock all day, searching for a great under-the-sea experience or just want to party, you will definitely find it on one of Thailand's classic gulf islands.
The highlighted Thai islands are Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, the three largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
I often get asked which island is better? Which Gulf Island should you visit?
I'd always say: It depends.
Do you want tranquil waters, excellent diving spots, white beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, bars and beach parties? Well then, you may have to visit them all!
Table of Contents
- How To Get To The Gulf Islands
- #1 Why Stay On Koh Samui?
- Quick Facts About Koh Samui
- Koh Samui Beaches
- Where To Stay On Koh Samui
- Things To Do On Koh Samui
- Koh Samui Nightlife
- #2 Why Stay On Koh Phangan?
- Quick Facts About Koh Phangan
- Koh Phangan Beaches
- Where To Stay On Koh Phangan
- Things To Do On Koh Phangan
- Koh Phangan Nightlife
- #3 Why Stay On Koh Tao?
- Quick Facts About Koh Tao
- Koh Tao Beaches
- Where To Stay On Koh Tao
- Things To Do On Koh Tao
- Koh Tao Nightlife
- Thailand Must-Pack Items
How To Get To The Gulf Islands
There are two ways to get to Thailand's Gulf Islands: By plane or by boat.
Flying into Samui International Airport is possible from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and a few other Thai destinations.
If you are coming from international, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Singapore have direct flights to Koh Samui.
It's easy, convenient and the more expensive route compared to a ferry from Surat Thani, which is the closest airport on the mainland.
Note that there is no airport in Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. So if you decide to fly, you will have to come to Koh Samui first and then still take a ferry to your final destination on Koh Tao or Koh Phangan.
Ferries from Surat Thani run to all three islands. Make sure to book a ticket that includes your bus ride from the airport to the ferry pier. Otherwise, you'll have to make your way there via taxi, which is more expensive.
The shortest ferry from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui takes 3 hours and 45 minutes with Lomprayah. They have newer and more comfortable ferries and are the fastest.
The best way to check available times is via 12Go Asia.
#1 Why Stay On Koh Samui?
Quick Facts About Koh Samui
Next to Phuket, Koh Samui is the second largest island in all of Thailand.
Koh Samui is super accessible as it has an airport where you can easily catch a direct flight from Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Another option is taking a ferry or high-speed catamaran.
If you ask me which Thai island to visit when you're traveling as a family with the kids, I'd most definitely tell you that it is Koh Samui.
Additionally, Koh Samui is a top destination for those seeking a beach-side yoga retreat in a serene and exotic location.
With its picturesque beaches and lush tropical landscape, Koh Samui offers a perfect backdrop for yoga enthusiasts looking to deepen their practice and connect with nature.
In short terms, Koh Samui's island experience can be described as luxurious and family-friendly. Out of all the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is the biggest and most developed island, offering a lot of accommodation options and activities.
Koh Samui Beaches
There are 11 major beaches on Koh Samui that you can choose from. The main one is the extensive Chaweng Beach dotted with a lot of hotels, restaurants, and bars. This is also the main area for tourist so expect it to be more busy than other beaches on the island.
Its beach life is great with its powdery white sand and lot of water sports. It's the longest stretch of beach on the island and there are some great Koh Samui villas to rent around here!
The second most popular one is Lamai Beach. It's less bustling than famous Chaweng but still has its selection of upper-class hotels and dining spots.
Other than Lamai's seaside beauty, you can also check out the bizarre rock formations called Hin Ta and Hin Yai which resemble the male and female organs, complete with a legend that any local can tell you about.
Adding to the bizarre attractions in Lamai Beach is Wat Khunaram, a mummified monk on display at a temple.
One of my personal favourite areas lies towards the north of the island and is called Bophut Beach. Its main attraction is the quaint Fisherman's Village that retains a somehow Mediterranean charm with a mix of well-preserved Chinese shophouses.
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Where To Stay On Koh Samui
Koh Samui is actually bigger than you might think and offers quite a few different areas to stay at:
- Bophut & Fisherman's Village: Great area for first timers who don't want to party, enjoy great beaches and some culture
- Chaweng Beach: Best area to stay for nightlife, markets and shopping
- Choeng Mon: Wonderful area for honeymooners and couples who are looking for quiet and privacy
- Lamai: Best area for families with children
- Maenam: Backpacker heaven with well-priced accommodation options
Below are some of my top hotel choices in Koh Samui. Also check out my in-depth article on all the best areas and hotels to stay on Koh Samui here. I have lived on the island and have seen it all myself!
Six Senses Samui
Only 10-minutes from the International Airport, Six Senses Samui offers a luxury place to stay overlooking the Gulf of Siam.
Lounge around in the infinity pool, get a treatment at the spa or eat a delicious dinner overlooking the ocean.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Melati Beach Resort & Spa
Melati is a stunning secluded beachfront hotel and spa with beautiful rooms, private pools and hot tubs.
15-minutes to the airport and right around the corner from the Big Buddha, you will enjoy your time between the pools and 2 restaurants and 3 bars right at the hotel.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Hansar Samui Resort & Spa
Stay in the heart of the beautiful Fisherman's Village at Hansar Samui.
Choose between a beach front or sea view room and enjoy on-site dining, a fitness centre and an infinity pool.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Things To Do On Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers lots of activities from cultural explorations such as to see the famed 12-metre tall Big Buddha and the 18-arm Guanyin in Wat Plai Laem at Big Buddha Beach to indulging in an authentic Thai massage or joining a Thai cooking class.
You can even get a custom-made suit tailored that's way cheaper than in your home country for sure, but still of high quality.
If you are travelling with kids, Koh Samui is definitely a wonderland for them as the island has several waterparks.
You can also go zip-lining, Quad biking or explore the Angthong National Marine Park by boat.
Head over to Central Festival Samui, the island's biggest shopping mall that includes a playground, a horror house and a whole gaming arcade.
Koh Samui Nightlife
Chaweng has some great nightlife spots. The night come alive with many dance clubs, indoors and at the beach-side. There's Soi Green Mango which is often said to be what Soi Cowboy is for Bangkok.
Visit The Green Mango Club, Ark Bar, still to the end of Soi Reggae, and drop by Bar Solo (don't worry, you don't need to be solo!).
And then there is literally a cool place to hang out in Chaweng! It's called the Bar Ice Samui which is kept at -7 degrees and where you are handed a big coat upon entrance.
Another nightly activity not to miss in Koh Samui are the lady boy shows at Paris Follies Cabaret and Starz Cabaret Samui, both in Chaweng, which are rather harmless.
Lipa Noi on the west side of the island boasts with the infamous Nikki Beach Samui, a high-end beach resort that hosts nightly live performances, film viewing and more while Lamai offers the Ocean Club at Beach Republic, a resort, pool and beach club all in one.
For a more relaxed evening, head to Coco Tams in Bophut and sit back on their beanbags by the beach and enjoy a round of shisha if you will.
#2 Why Stay On Koh Phangan?
Quick Facts About Koh Phangan
For the party lovers among you, the question which Thai island to visit is easy to answer: Koh Phangan for sure!
The fifth largest island in Thailand is easy to get to from the mainland by ferry but there is no airport.
Koh Phangan Beaches
Haad Rin is the home to the infamous Full Moon Party held every month when the full moon shines big and bright.
This part of the island is relatively calm at daytime but come nighttime, bars and pubs blare out reggae beats and hardcore trance music as the party crowd gather to dance, drink, and party especially during the night of the full moon.
The island also celebrates the half-moon party and smaller parties in-between to keep the crowds entertained. Expect only the craziest, freakiest rave when you party in Haad Rin.
Quite the opposite of the party beach Haad Rin is the tranquil parts of Chaloklum Beach that offers a quiet respite for relaxation. The place almost reminds me a bit of Fisherman's Village on Koh Samui with its line of seafront Chinese style shophouses and restaurants.
Hang out at the beach or walk the small main street browsing some local shops or if you're more inclined to wake boarding, Chaloklum Beach's calm waters are suitable.
Where To Stay On Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has a lot to offer, from beach to nightlife, full moon party and some true paradise beaches and quiet spots to retreat.
Here are some of the best areas to stay at:
- Baan Tai Beach, great for first-timers, nice beach, restaurants and cool beach bars
- Haad Rin, best area for nightlife and the full moon party
- Thong Sala, the primary town of Koh Phangan with a great night market, best area for convenience and close to main ferry pier
After living in Koh Phangan, I know the best areas to stay and have put together my top hotel choices below.
Phangan Beach Resort
Stay in charming beach front! All come with private bathrooms, hot shower and some with air conditioning, others come with fan only.
Great location to access all parts of Phangan island, or just stay in the hammock right where you are.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Milky Bay Resort
Great, simple bungalows with stunning beach views only 10-minutes from Thong Sala ferry pier.
All bungalows come a hammock and private balcony. You have the choice of either a fan or air conditioning.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Mikasa Beach House
Melati is a stunning secluded beachfront hotel and spa with beautiful rooms, private pools and hot tubs.
15-minutes to the airport and right around the corner from the Big Buddha, you will enjoy your time between the pools and 2 restaurants and 3 bars right at the hotel.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Things To Do On Koh Phangan
The Full Moon Party in Haad Rin is definitely the highlight of what Koh Phangan has to offer, along with other lunar celebrations.
On New Year's Eve, Koh Phangan welcomes 10,000 to 30,000 party-goers to celebrate the turning of the calendar.
Other than parties and raves, the island also offers many beach activities. Get your dose of marine adventures from wake boarding, kayaking, diving, and swimming.
If you want to explore the tropical jungle, there are activities for trekking and camping.
And even if you are looking to calm your soul and senses, there is The Sanctuary Thailand which is far away from the outside world, only accessible by boot.
Additionally, Koh Phangan has one of the best sunsets to view. A beautiful spot for a dip and a drink as the sun sets is at Amsterdam Bar.
Make sure to check out Thong Sala Night Market where you can buy cheap souvenirs and find an abundant choice of food stalls which is super affordable. Even though it's smaller than other night markets in Thailand it's possibly the best one you will visit and one of my favourites!
Koh Phangan Nightlife
Koh Phangan is a favourite for party seekers so the island's nightlife will definitely satisfy.
Haad Rin is definitely party central. It has an array of bars such as Cactus with its nightly fire show, the beachside Kangaroo Bar, the laid-back Lazy House that serves nice food, the Oz-themed Outback, the rustic and ethnic Reggae House with a Bob Marley statue by the entrance where you can also get a traditional bamboo tattoo, and the nautical-themed Tommy Bar where you can dine al fresco.
These bars can be a chill place on regular nights but expect musical mayhem and madness when the Full Moon Party kicks off.
If you prefer to stay at the calmer part of the island which is in Haad Mae Haad or nearby Chaloklum, a relaxing evening out is part of the package. A beachside bar with great food to check out is Café del Mar.
#3 Why Stay On Koh Tao?
Quick Facts About Koh Tao
Let's take you to the smallest island of the three, Koh Tao is small but very big on underwater adventures. It's only 21 square kilometres big and therefore easy to scooter around.
There's no airport so you have to take a high speed catamaran or ferries traveling from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani or Chumphon.
Koh Tao Beaches
When hitting Koh Tao's beaches, do not forget to bring along your goggles and snorkel. This island is a treasure trove of underwater worlds.
Sairee Beach on the western coast of Koh Tao is the most touristy and busiest areas. It's known for its 1.8 km strip that is the longest shore in the island.
A must-visit is also Koh Nangyuan Island which is just around 10 minutes away for Koh Tao by long-tail boat and perfect for a day trip.
Koh Nangyuan is a small island with a lovely sandbar and you'll get a picturesque view as you reach the viewpoint which is a mere 10 to 15 minute climb up the hill.
Don't miss to just lie at the beach and snorkel around this tiny island.
Where To Stay On Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a much smaller island compared to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, but nevertheless, it has a lot of things to explore, especially when it comes to adventures in the water.
Koh Tao offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, making it a popular destination for travelers of all kinds.
Snorkelers and divers will surely be in heaven, so here are the best areas to stay at:
- Mae Haad Beach, is great for first-time visitors to the island, it's the main town, and you can find the ferry pier here too
- Sairee Beach is the best area to party on Koh Tao and has plenty of dining options
- Chalok Bay is a wonderful protected bay, which makes it very family-friendly
- Ao Thian Og, a true paradise beach and still one of the more untouched parts of Koh Tao
The Fisherman's Villas
All villas are fully furnished with air con, private bathroom and a beautiful private plunge pool overlooking the bay.
Big balconies, a terrace and minibar plus a fully equipped kitchen will make your stay extra comfortable.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Dusit Buncha Resort
Stay in waterfront villas overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. All villas are nicely decorated with modern Thai style features.
Expect a large balcony and spacious living areas and some rooms come with private open-air bathrooms.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
DD Hut Koh Tao
Sleep in private bungalows with unobstructed sea views.
Close to many restaurants and bars of Sairee Beach and yet far away to not be in party-central.
Check current rates on: Booking.com | Agoda.com
Things To Do On Koh Tao
Hands down, diving and snorkeling are the claim to fame for Koh Tao. You can expect quality diving instruction from dive centres all over the island. The underwater depths reveal another world where various marine life and vibrant corals thrive.
It also has become a favourite for new divers to get their PADI scuba diving certification for an affordable price as opposed to earning the certificate in other places.
Expert divers may even ditch the oxygen tank and go for free diving up to 20 metres. You can also go kayaking or fishing during the day or night.
Off the sea activities include hiking, rock climbing, yoga, and shopping at the night market.
Koh Tao Nightlife
Definitely not as wild as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao still offers a fun night out at one of the various waterfront bars featuring fire dancers and lady boy shows going on every night.
You can check out DJL Pool Bar, Lotus Bar, Fizz Lounge and Choppers Bar & Grill. Another fun way to party a little on the island is through joining the Koh Tao Pub Crawl wherein you can meet other travellers from around the globe.
So that's that. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are all amazing islands. If you don't want to visit them all, you at least know now what ‘the best island for what?' is.
Did you come for the party? Koh Phangan is where the raves are at.
Are you looking for some luxury? Will you be travelling with the family in tow? Koh Samui has some amazing classy places to stay at and the most activities the whole family will love.
Did you come to see an underwater paradise? Take a trip to the diving heaven that is Koh Tao. Whichever island you choose, Thailand always guarantees you a trip to remember.
Thailand Must-Pack Items
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