Planning a trip to the Gulf of Thailand and can’t decide which island to pick? I’ve been lucky enough to visit all three, but if time isn’t on your side, let’s break down which one is worth your precious vacation days. So without further ado, let’s see whether Ko Tao, Koh Samui, or Koh Phangan suits you best.
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Ko Tao – For Divers, Chill Vibes & Small-Island Feels
If your idea of a good trip is being in (or under) the water as much as possible, Ko Tao will probably be your happy place. It’s known for world-class diving and snorkeling, and it’s a lot smaller and more laid-back than the other two islands.
- Best for: Divers, snorkelers, chilled backpackers, couples wanting a slow pace.
- Vibe: Relaxed, (somewhat) walkable, friendly.
- Highlights: Cheap dive courses, gorgeous bays like Ao Leuk and Shark Bay, chilled beach bars.
- Keep in mind: It’s not the place for wild nightlife (though you’ll find a few spots if you look), and it’s a bit tricky to get around without a scooter.
My experience in Koh Tao
We stayed in Koh Tao for only three nights, and with work plus me managing to mess up my foot, it definitely cut down my exploring options.
Even so, I really enjoyed the small-island vibes and managed to go snorkeling and see both turtles and smaller sharks – which was a first for me. Koh Tao also offered some amazing views from restaurants and bars up on the mountain.
Where I Stayed in Koh Tao
- Gee Resort: An alright stay with rooms that weren’t the most comfortable, but it’s conveniently close to the harbour. The resort has a pool, free Wi-Fi, and scooter rentals, and it’s a short drive to Mae Haad Beach and Koh Tao’s main diving shops.
Koh Phangan – For Parties and Peace
Koh Phangan has a bit of a split personality. On one side, you’ve got the world-famous Full Moon Party and plenty of bars for night owls. On the other, you’ll find serene beaches, yoga retreats, and wellness resorts. So, this island can suit you if you want a bit of everything, or if you’re travelling with someone who doesn’t really share all your interests.
- Best for: Party people, wellness travellers, long-term stayers.
- Vibe: Anything from “dance until sunrise” to “meditate until sunset”.
- Highlights: Haad Rin for nightlife, Srithanu for yoga, Bottle Beach for escaping it all.
- Keep in mind: The party areas can get loud, so pick your accommodation wisely.
My Experience in Koh Phangan
I stayed in Koh Phangan for about two weeks, splitting my time between the north and the south – in three different accommodations, all of which were top-notch for the price. While there, we went hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and, of course, overindulged at the night markets.
One of my best memories from Koh Phangan involves the stray dogs, which are well looked after by the locals. We got to know a group of three dogs that we played with and fed, and let’s just say my eyes weren’t dry when we had to leave.
Our visit also happened to line up with a Full Moon Party – which is iconic for the island. And well… from what I remember that night, it was definitely an experience, including buckets and glowing paint. If you’re a party person, I’d say go for it! As for me, I’m happy to leave it as a one-time thing.
Where I Stayed in Koh Phangan
- Baan Kiao Resort: Cozy bungalow with a hammock and sea view, friendly personal service, steps from the beach, and breakfast included.
- WILD WOOD Beach Fitness: Beachfront bungalow stay with outdoor workouts, ice baths, and healthy treats, close to a night market.
- The Sea Resort: Modern bungalow with friendly staff, an on-site budget-friendly restaurant, adorable stray dogs, and a perfect seaside spot for sunsets.
Koh Samui – For Resorts, Convenience & Variety
Koh Samui is the biggest of the three and has a bit of everything – from luxury resorts to budget hostels, busy beaches to quiet corners. It’s also the most developed, so you’ll find great restaurants, shopping, and easy transport through the Grab app.
- Best for: Families, honeymooners, travellers wanting comfort and variety.
- Vibe: Polished but still tropical.
- Highlights: Chaweng for nightlife, Fisherman’s Village for dinner, day trips to Ang Thong Marine Park.
- Keep in mind: It’s busier and more commercial than Ko Tao or Koh Phangan.
My Experience in Koh Samui
Once again, spending most of the weekdays working, being in Koh Samui – which is more modern and comfortable – was a bit of a relief. We easily got around by Grab cabs, enjoyed some fine dining (for reasonable prices), great beaches, and top-notch resorts.
The most memorable experiences were going to a Thai boxing match for the first time, getting a bamboo tattoo, taking a boat trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park and hanging out with capybaras at Capybara World Koh.
Where I Stayed in Koh Samui
- Samui Buri: Beachfront hotel in Mae Nam with a nice pool (and pool bar), friendly staff, and a restaurant on site, not far from the harbour where we arrived from Koh Phangan.
- Jasmine Resort: Beachfront resort on Lamai Beach with a great room for some romance, helpful staff, and a restaurant – just a minute’s walk from the night market and steps from the sand
- Dara Samui Beach: Pagoda-style beachfront stay on Chaweng with an elegant pool vibe, helpful staff, on-site dining (plus a cooking class), and just a short stroll to the shops and nightlife.
- Khwan Beach Resort: My first time glamping, with a luxury tent just steps from Maenam Beach, a great pool, live music, and an adults-only, laid-back vibe.
Still Can’t Decide? This is How to Visit Each Island
Luckily for you, visiting Ko Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan on the same trip isn’t all that tricky or expensive. Boats will be your main mode of transport, but if you’re not a fan of them, then Koh Samui is your only option.
In my case, we took a paid van trip from Phuket that dropped us right at the ferry. It got the job done – but let’s just say it was a long day, and I feared for my life on that road more than once. We started with Ko Tao, then Koh Phangan, and lastly Ko Samui.
How to Get to Ko Tao
The only way to reach Ko Tao is by boat. You can hop on a ferry from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan (about 1-2 hours), or from the mainland at Chumphon or Surat Thani (as we did).
From both directions, there are around 8-12 ferries a day in high season, running between 08:00 and 16:45 – so check the schedule in advance, or you might just find yourself stuck my friend.
| From | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chumphon | 1.5-2 hours | $21-27 |
| Surat Thani | 2.5-4.5 hours | $26-27 |
| Ko Samui | 1.5-2.5 hours | $16-25 |
| Koh Phangan | 1-2 hours | $14-24 |
How to Get to Ko Samui
Ko Samui is the easiest to get to, thanks to its own airport with direct flights from Bangkok, Phuket, and even Singapore. You can also arrive by ferry from the mainland (Surat Thani or Donsak Pier) or from the neighbouring islands.
Do note that depending on the season, flights to and from Ko Samui aren’t always the cheapest. In our case, we saved money on the return trip by taking a ferry to the mainland and flying from Surat Thani International Airport to Bangkok – which was five times cheaper. So, always compare your options beforehand if you want to be kind to your bank account.
| From | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chumphon | 4-4.5 hours | $38-155 |
| Surat Thani | 1.5-4 hours | $10-25 |
| Ko Tao | 1.5-3.5 hours | $18-22 |
| Koh Phangan | 20-30 minutes | $8-12 |
How to Get to Koh Phangan
No airport here, so you’ll need to catch a ferry from Koh Samui or from Surat Thani on the mainland. Ferries also connect Koh Phangan to Ko Tao if you’re hopping between the three.
| From | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chumphon | ~3.5 hours | $18-36 |
| Surat Thani | 2.5-5 hours | $10-18 |
| Ko Tao | 1-2 hours | $14-22 |
| Koh Samui | 20-30 minutes | $12-22 |
My Personal Favourite Island of the Three
If I had to choose my favourite between Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui, I’d have to go with Koh Samui. Since I was working at the same time and didn’t bring an international driving license, it was the easiest place to get around – which made exploring different areas much simpler. I also think it strikes a great balance between that lovely island life and modern comfort.
All in all, I still plan to visit each island again – hopefully in the near future!
