Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand: two islands, two seasons, two styles
Choose Phuket if you are looking for many beaches, a wide choice of resorts, excursions and good flight connections. Choose Koh Samui if you prefer a smaller, quieter island with a boutique feel, for example for a honeymoon or a wellness break.
The two islands lie on opposite sides of the Thai peninsula: Phuket in the Andaman Sea to the west, Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand to the east. This means that not only the landscape and mood differ, but also the best time to travel. Below we compare travel, timing and style, and show how to combine the islands with Bangkok. You will find more key facts and resorts on our page on luxury holidays in Thailand.
Phuket lies in the Andaman Sea and is linked to the mainland by bridges. Along the west coast, bay follows bay, from lively Patong to quieter beaches, and this is where you watch the sun sink into the sea. In the old quarter of Phuket Town, colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings set the scene. By boat you reach the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay.
Phuket has more international direct flights than Koh Samui and a wide choice of luxury resorts, from Amanpuri to Rosewood Phuket. The island suits families, guests who appreciate variety and excursions, and anyone who wants to combine the beach with restaurants and evening entertainment. If you would rather stay somewhere secluded, choose a resort away from the busy beaches.
Koh Samui lies in the Gulf of Thailand and is considerably smaller than Phuket. The island feels more intimate and relaxed. Chaweng and Lamai beaches are livelier, while the Fisherman's Village in Bophut is more laid-back, its old wooden houses now home to restaurants and small shops.
A rewarding excursion is Ang Thong National Marine Park, a group of limestone islands reached by boat. Koh Samui suits couples, honeymooners and wellness stays, for example at Kamalaya, as well as guests who prefer peace to a wide choice. For couples and families we recommend Four Seasons Koh Samui, which also offers family villas with pools. The island has its own airport, with most flights arriving from Bangkok.
The key facts for your planning:
Many guests combine their island with 2 to 3 nights in Bangkok at the start or end of the trip. If you would like to see both islands, Phuket and Koh Samui can be combined, and we plan the transfer by domestic flight. Keep the season in mind: from January to March, both coasts are a good choice.
Two questions are often enough to decide. If you want to do a lot and stay flexible, much speaks for Phuket. If you are looking for peace, spa time and a manageable island, Koh Samui is the right fit. For even more seclusion, we recommend smaller islands such as Koh Yao Noi or Koh Kood. Another option is an extension to the Maldives: the flight from Bangkok to Malé takes approx. 4.5 hours.
Choose your island according to the month you travel. If you are travelling in November or December, we recommend Phuket, as the best time for Koh Samui only begins in January. From January to March you can choose freely or combine both islands. On Phuket, we advise a resort on the west coast if sunsets over the sea matter to you. For Koh Samui, we time your connecting flight from Bangkok so that you can continue without a long wait, as the choice of connections is smaller than to Phuket.
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